TOKYO, April 12, 2012 (WAFA) –President Mahmoud Abbas started Thursday an official three-day visit to Japan on the first leg of a tour of South Asian countries during which he will meet top officials.

Abbas met upon arrival with Japanese officials who follow the Middle East conflict, particularly Japan's special peace envoy to the Middle East, Yutaka Iimura, and discussed the latest developments regarding the Palestinian issue.

Senior officials in the Palestinian Authority are escorting Abbas on this visit.

Abbas will later travel to Sri Lanka.

T.R./M.S.