Jordan, Japan set to boost cooperation after 60 years of ties

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday received a delegation from the Japanese house of representatives headed by Ichiro Aisawa at the Husseiniya Palace.

During the meeting, the King expressed Jordan’s keenness to build on the historic friendship between the two countries, who celebrate the 60th anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Discussions also covered ways to boost ties at the economic and development levels, a Royal Court statement said.

In this regard, the Monarch reiterated the importance of cooperation and partnership between the lower houses of the two countries, especially in the fields related to parliamentary and legislative work, the Royal Court said.

His Majesty underlined the Kingdom’s stance on regional issues and developments and his efforts to achieve security, stability and peace for the Middle Eastern peoples, noting that Japan, among other international parties, can play a focal role to achieve this goal.

The King outlined the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on neighbouring countries and the entire region, referring to the burdens Jordan is shouldering as a result of hosting about 1.3 million Syrians, including more than 600,000 registered refugees.  

Regarding the recent developments in Iraq, King Abdullah expressed full support to whatever solution that guarantees the stability and unity of Iraq and its people, stressing the importance of finding an inclusive political solution that engages all segments of the Iraqi people in the political process. 

During the meeting, the King also expressed Jordan’s ability to deal with various challenges and developments in the region and remain an oasis of peace and stability, calling on the international community to keep supporting the Kingdom to deal with such challenges. 

They also discussed the efforts needed to achieve a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that leads to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state within the 1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Ichiro conveyed the greetings of the Japanese emperor and prime minister to King Abdullah and the Jordanian people, stressing the strong bilateral relations between the two countries which will be further boosted by His Majesty’s visit to Japan soon.

Members of the delegation expressed their appreciation for the Jordanian role in supporting efforts to achieve regional security and stability, noting that Japan is keen to boost relations with Jordan at all levels. 

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury also attended the meeting. 

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh also met with the Japanese delegation on Monday and discussed ways to further bilateral relations, especially in the water, energy, health and education sectors.

Also on Monday, King Abdullah received a phone call from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them at all levels, in addition to the regional developments in the Middle East.