Jordan-Japan strong, diverse relationship

Jordan and Japan have had a strong and diverse relationship since diplomatic relations began in 1954. The relationship is based on multi-layered people-to-people exchanges and regular intergovernmental coordination. The close bonds between the Imperial family of Japan and the Jordanian Royal family have contributed to the relationship's development. Japan recognises Jordan's importance in maintaining regional peace and stability amid unpredictable global contexts. Japan has continuously assisted various sectors in Jordan, such as water, energy, and renewable energy. Japan sees Jordan's efforts at economic modernization as a significant step. Jordan plays a geopolitically crucial and pivotal role in peace and stability in the Middle East, which Japan highly values. Japan continues to cooperate with Jordan to support social and economic stability and development in the region. Japan is determined to further strengthen the ties between the two countries by broadening the foundation of mutual understanding between the two countries. The two countries have been working together on trilateral development discussions, including water sharing and security, infrastructure projects, trade, finance and banking issues.

Recently, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and Queen Rania visited Japan from April 7 to 12, 2023. During their stay in Japan, they met with His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Empress Michiko. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, met with King Abdullah and hosted a working dinner. This was King Abdullah II’s 12th visit to Japan as King of Jordan. His Majesty also held talks with Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio about the strategic partnership between the two countries. He discussed means of bolstering it across various fields, especially the economy, as well as regional and international developments. The King was also set to meet Speaker of the House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki and President of the House of Councilors Hidehisa Otsuji. In addition, he met with several senior officials. On April 11, 2023, His Majesty King Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein were received by Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio upon their arrival in Japan. Jordan and Japan enjoy a strong strategic partnership, especially considering refugee hosting. Tokyo is also one of the country’s major donors.

His Excellency Japan's ambassador to Jordan, Okuyama Jiro, stressed Jordan's key role in maintaining regional peace and stability amid unpredictable global contexts. He also pointed to close leadership ties. The ambassador praised Jordanian athletes' "outstanding" performances at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The ambassador said Japan would continue working with Jordan to build confidence. This includes Japan's "unique efforts such as the 'Corridor for Peace and Prosperity' initiative, which promotes connectivity between Palestine, Jordan, and Israel". The ambassador also expressed Japan's interest in strengthening economic relations between Japan and Jordan. He also exchanged views with Jordanian government officials and commercial enterprises.

Jordan and Japan have a strong and diverse relationship, encompassing economic, political and cultural ties. Jordan and Japan's royal families are friends. The late King Hussein of Jordan and the late Emperor Hirohito of Japan established diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1954. Since then, the two royal families have maintained close ties.

In 1992, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan toured Jordan, where King Hussein and Queen Noor received them. During their visit, the Japanese royal couple visited several cultural and historical sites in Jordan. They met with Jordanian officials and citizens. In 2016, King Abdullah II of Jordan visited Japan, where he met Emperor Akihito and prime minister Shinzo Abe. During his visit, King Abdullah II expressed his appreciation for Japan's support of Jordan's efforts to address regional challenges, including the Syrian refugee crisis. In 2021, Crown Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah of Jordan toured Japan and conversed with Crown Prince Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito. During his visit, Crown Prince Hussein emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and expressed his hope for continued cooperation between the two countries. The friendship between the two royal families has strengthened Jordan and Japan's relationship. This has helped to promote mutual understanding between the two countries.

Japan is one of Jordan's largest trading partners. In 2019, trade between the two countries reached $356 million. Japan imports oil and phosphate from Jordan, while Jordan imports a variety of products from Japan, including automobiles, machinery and electronic devices. The two countries have also engaged in several joint economic projects, such as the construction of an expanded terminal at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

Jordan and Japan have maintained friendly relations for many years. The two countries cooperate on regional stability and security, particularly in the Middle East. Japan has provided financial and technical assistance to Jordan in various areas, including water management and refugee assistance. In 2020, Japan donated $10 million to Jordan to support its COVID-19 combat efforts.

Culturally, Jordan and Japan have also established strong ties. Japanese culture is growing in Jordan, with anime and manga particularly popular among young people. In recent years, Jordan has hosted several cultural events, such as Japan Film Week, which highlights Japanese films. Additionally, the Japanese embassy in Jordan actively promotes cultural exchanges, sponsoring events such as Japanese language and calligraphy workshops. Academic cooperation is another critical aspect of the Jordan-Japan relationship. Both countries have promoted educational exchange and collaboration, recognising the importance of investing in human capital and fostering international understanding.

In recent years, there have been several initiatives to promote academic cooperation between the two countries. For example, on 4 March 2004 at the Japanese Ambassador's residence Mr Obata announced the establishment of Jordan Japan Academic Society on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Jordan. The society takes it responsibility with its graduated Jordanian students from the Japanese universities to promote good relations between Jordan and Japan, and providing facilities for social and cultural activities in Jordan, with an aim to promote scientific, technological, educational and cultural exchange between Jordan and Japan.

Jordan and Japan have also signed several agreements to promote academic cooperation. In 2019, the University of Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Tokyo to establish a joint research center for renewable energy. The MoU includes provisions for student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and seminars and workshops on renewable energy. In addition, the Japanese government has provided scholarships for Jordanian students to study in Japan. The Japanese government's Monbukagakusho scholarship programme offers opportunities for Jordanian students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and research studies in Japan in a variety of fields.

Overall, academic cooperation is a vital aspect of the Jordan-Japan relationship, as it promotes mutual understanding and strengthens ties between the two countries. Through initiatives such as JEMAN and joint research projects, Jordan and Japan are working to lay the foundation for long-term academic collaboration. Jordan and Japan's relationship has many benefits for both parties. While the two countries are geographically distant, they share common ground in trade, politics, and culture. They have worked to build a strong and enduring partnership.

Jordan-Japan relationship is likely to continue to develop and strengthen in the future. Economically, there is potential for further growth in trade and investment between the two countries. Jordan has been actively seeking to diversify its economy. Japan's advanced technology and expertise in areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure development could benefit in this regard. Furthermore, Jordan's strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa could make it an attractive destination for Japanese companies seeking to expand their presence in the region. Politically, the two countries are likely to continue to cooperate on regional security and stability, particularly considering ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Japan has supported Jordan's efforts to host refugees from neighbouring countries, and this could be an area of continued collaboration. Culturally, there is potential for further exchange and cooperation between the two countries. The popularity of Japanese culture in Jordan could be harnessed to promote tourism and cultural exchange. In addition, the Jordanian government has expressed interest in sending students to study in Japan.

Looking towards the future, there is potential for further growth and collaboration between Jordan and Japan. Trade and investment are needed. Politically, the two countries are likely to continue cooperating on regional stability and security. Culturally, there is potential for further exchange and collaboration, while academic cooperation is also a key area of growth. Overall, the Jordan-Japan relationship is an example of how two countries can build a strong and mutually beneficial partnership despite their differences in geography, culture and history. With continued effort and collaboration, the relationship between Jordan and Japan is likely to continue to thrive in the years to come.

In conclusion, the relationship between Jordan and Japan is strong and diverse, encompassing economic, political, cultural and academic ties. The strength of the Jordanian-Japanese relationship is due to its royal support at the highest levels over the years. While the two countries are geographically distant, they have found common ground in many areas and have worked to build an effective and enduring partnership. While the relationship between Jordan and Japan is already strong and diverse, there is still room for further growth and collaboration in the future.

Habib Badawi is a professor of Modern History at the Lebanese University, Japanese Studies. Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences. Mohammed Matouq is president of Jordan Japan Academic Society