Development cooperation, bilateral ties dominate Tarawneh-Abe talks in Tokyo

AMMAN — Jordan highly values Japanese assistance to the Kingdom in the fields of development and hosting Syrian refugees, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh said on Tuesday. 

During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, Tarawneh praised the Japanese stances that support UNRWA and call for a two-state solution that can guarantee regional security and stability and realise the legitimate rights of Palestinians, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Highlighting the impact of economic pressure resulting from regional instability and successive refugee influxes, the speaker called on Japan to deliver the second batch of the development policy loan of $100 million.

Following talks between His Majesty King Abdullah and Abe in Tokyo in November 2018, King Abdullah and the Japanese prime minister witnessed the signing of an agreement for a $300 million development policy loan granted by the Japanese government over three years to support Jordan’s budget.

During Tuesday's meeting, Tarawneh said that Tokyo’s  support to Amman in this regard shows the "deep-rooted" ties between the two countries.

He also voiced Jordan’s keeness to benefit from amendments to Japan’s migration law, which provide an opportunity for Jordanians to work there and attract further investments into the Kingdom.

For his part, Abe expressed his country's appreciation for Jordanian contributions, under King Abdullah's leadership, to realise peace and stability in the region, as well as the King’s efforts in the war against terrorism. 

The prime minister reaffirmed Japan's commitments made during the London Conference, pledging to deliver the second batch of the loan of $100 million. The first batch was delivered to the Kingdom in May, he said. 

Regarding Japanese investments, he noted that there are currently 19 companies operating in Jordan, adding that Tokyo is keen to increase its investment volume in the Kingdom.

Discussions also covered the Palestinian cause, regional developments, the war on terror and relevant cooperation mechanisms, according to Petra.