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Mahmud Abbas
In a joint statement issued after their meeting at the prime minister's office, Hatoyama expressed "Japan's readiness to help the Palestinians further build a viable economy and develop capable governing institutions."
The two leaders agreed that developing the private sector was a priority, according to the statement.
As a first step, Japan will send trade experts to the territories to help promote trade and investment, it said.
At a joint news conference, Abbas thanked Tokyo for its financial and diplomatic support, which has topped one billion dollars, saying: "Japan's assistance considerably helps heal the agony of the Palestinian people."
He also stressed the need for a resumption of stalled Middle East peace talks "based on the roadmap" designed by the West in 2003 calling for a two-state solution.
"In the meeting with Prime Minister Hatoyama, I reiterated the importance of achieving peace comprehensively and impartially," Abbas said.
Hatoyama backed the remarks, saying: "President Abbas plays an extremely important role in the peace process. Japan will support his effort to achieve peace."
Abbas has agreed in principle to indirect talks with Israel under US mediation but has requested a number of guarantees, a Palestinian official in the West Bank told AFP on condition of anonymity Monday.
The latest US proposal for renewing talks suspended more than a year ago would have the two sides hold three months of indirect negotiations and have Israel make several goodwill gestures to the Palestinians.
Abbas will meet Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on Tuesday before leaving for Seoul the following day.
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The two leaders agreed that developing the private sector was a priority, according to the statement.
As a first step, Japan will send trade experts to the territories to help promote trade and investment, it said.
At a joint news conference, Abbas thanked Tokyo for its financial and diplomatic support, which has topped one billion dollars, saying: "Japan's assistance considerably helps heal the agony of the Palestinian people."
He also stressed the need for a resumption of stalled Middle East peace talks "based on the roadmap" designed by the West in 2003 calling for a two-state solution.
"In the meeting with Prime Minister Hatoyama, I reiterated the importance of achieving peace comprehensively and impartially," Abbas said.
Hatoyama backed the remarks, saying: "President Abbas plays an extremely important role in the peace process. Japan will support his effort to achieve peace."
Abbas has agreed in principle to indirect talks with Israel under US mediation but has requested a number of guarantees, a Palestinian official in the West Bank told AFP on condition of anonymity Monday.
The latest US proposal for renewing talks suspended more than a year ago would have the two sides hold three months of indirect negotiations and have Israel make several goodwill gestures to the Palestinians.
Abbas will meet Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on Tuesday before leaving for Seoul the following day.
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