Analysts believe this trend could help reduce tensions between the two sides, which have yet to sign a peace treaty.

BBC: Historic Taiwan-China trade deal takes effect

That operation expanded to an Israeli attempt to install a pro-western government that was willing to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

NPR: Echoes of Israel's Occupation of Lebanon

Sadat and Begin had the vision and the foresight to sign a peace treaty that put an end to wars between the two countries.

BBC: 1981: 'Still mourning President Sadat'

Clinton said before traveling to Asia last week that if North Korea moved ahead with denuclearization, the United States would be prepared to normalize relations and sign a peace treaty on the Korean Peninsula.

CNN: U.S. envoy for North Korea may visit Pyongyang

And at a regional trade summit in Vladivostok this month, Japan attempted to improve relations with Russia, a neighbour with whom it has yet to sign a peace treaty ending the second world war.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s energy security

What most concerns Netanyahu these days is that the US will fail to block a Palestinian bid to have the Security Council recognize a Palestinian state in all of Judea and Samaria and in large swathes of Jerusalem even if the Palestinians refuse to sign a peace treaty with Israel.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Facing our fears

The force is expected to leave for Bosnia after Balkan leaders sign a formal peace treaty in Paris on December 14.

CNN: NATO approves initial Bosnia force

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Mr Putin - who also met on Friday - agreed to boost joint work on energy projects, and reaffirmed the need to sign a post-World War II peace treaty.

BBC: Putin rallies divided world leaders