King, Japanese FM discuss cooperation to serve cause of peace

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono over means to boost "strategic" cooperation between Jordan and Japan, a Royal Court statement said.

During the meeting, held at Basman Palace, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the support Japan provides to Jordan in various development fields, in addition to the assistance Tokyo extends to help the country handle the Syrian refugee crisis and enable it to sustain humanitarian and relief services it offers to refugees. 

The King and the minister also discussed the regional developments, especially the efforts to reactivate the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis to resume serious and effective peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution.

King Abdullah and Kono highlighted the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative that was launched by Japan 10 years ago, which aims to support peace efforts in the region. 

The concept of the corridor, according to related literature, is to “work collaboratively to materialise projects that promote regional cooperation for the prosperity of the region, such as establishing an agro-industrial park in the West Bank and facilitating the transportation of goods…”. 

In this regard, His Majesty commended Japan’s role in regional peacemaking.

His Majesty and the minister also discussed the Syrian crisis and the endeavours aimed at reaching a political solution that ensures the unity of Syria’s lands and the safety of its people, in addition to the international efforts to combat terrorism within a holistic approach.

For his part, the Japanese minister expressed his country’s appreciation for Jordan’s endeavours to realise peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as Jordan’s humanitarian role in dealing with the refugees on its land.

Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Hani Mulki met with Kono and outlined the economic challenges that face Jordan as a result of the regional instability, the border closures and hosting Syrian refugees, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Mulki and Kono attended a ceremony to sign memoranda of understanding that included a one-billion-yen grant to fund purchases of the Public Security Department.

Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury and Japan’s Ambassador in Amman Shunichi Sakurai signed the grant.    

Also on Sunday, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with his Japanese counterpart and discussed means of improving ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, Safadi and Kono stressed the importance of enhancing economic, security and defence cooperation and building on the outcomes of His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Japan last October and the visit of Prime Minister Hani Mulki last July.

Safadi stressed the “deep-rooted” ties between the two countries, calling for a greater role for Japan in the region for its “moderate” policies and its ability to make change in various fields.

The Japanese official’s visit came one day ahead of another by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is expected to discuss regional peace and bilateral ties with senior officials in Amman. 

On Monday, Safadi and Lavrov are scheduled to hold talks in Amman, which will be followed by a joint press conference, the ministry announced yesterday.