60 years of good Jordanian-Japanese ties

It says a lot when Japan, which is facing its own economic challenges, decides to grant Jordan 2.4 billion yen and pledges further support to the Kingdom.

The decision to provide Jordan with this grant was made during His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Japan which he concluded on Friday following talks with Japanese Emperor Akihito, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, other senior officials and private sector representatives, demonstrating Tokyo’s understanding of the burdens shouldered by Amman in these tough times.

These talks highlighted the close relations between Jordan and Japan, which this year mark their 60th anniversary, as much as they depicted Tokyo’s understanding of the burdens shouldered by the Kingdom, which now hosts millions of refugees from neighbouring countries.

Japan’s assistance is a message of faith in Jordan, as well as support for the stability and security of the Kingdom, which despite regional challenges continues on the path of economic and political reforms even as it receives wave after wave of refugees, and is currently hosting more than one million Syrians. These refugees currently share with their brothers in Jordan all the country’s resources, including water, a sector which is targeted in the Japanese assistance.

Most of the grant will go to improving the water situation in the Kingdom, including the rehabilitation and expansion of water networks.

The Kingdom continues to face a water shortage over and above its energy problem. Making Jordan less dependent on rain would go a long way in ameliorating the water crisis. Japan has been a firm and steady supporter of Jordan for many decades and this latest grant reinforces Tokyo’s continued support, especially in times of need. 

In addition to the assistance, the two countries see eye-to-eye on many regional and international issues and pledged to continue cooperation in many spheres — diplomatic, political and cultural.

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of nuclear and renewable energy, empowerment of women, sports, technology and trade.