King meets Japan foreign, defence ministers

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met separately in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Japanese Defence Minister Hamada Yasukazu.

The meetings, attended by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, covered the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Jordan and Japan, as well as means of expanding cooperation across all fields, according to a statement from the Royal Court.

Discussions also covered the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on various issues of mutual concern.

At the meeting with the Japanese foreign minister, King Abdullah expressed appreciation of Japan’s support for Jordan in several sectors.

For his part, Foreign Minister Hayashi commended the strong friendship between the two countries, expressing Japan’s keenness to enhance ties in various fields.

The meeting also touched on regional and international developments, in addition to efforts to reach political solutions to crises and challenges in the region.

Turning to developments in the Palestinian cause, His Majesty reaffirmed the need for calm and de-escalation in the Palestinian Territories, and to cease any unilateral measures that could lead to instability and undermine peace prospects.

At the meeting with the minister of defence, the King discussed means of enhancing defence cooperation, and Japan’s role in supporting peace efforts in the region and the world.

The meeting covered regional and international efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach, and means of bolstering international peace and security.

Defence Minister Hamada thanked Jordan for its role in promoting global peace and security.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Planning Minister Zeina Toukan and Jordan’s Ambassador to Japan Lina Annab attended the meetings