Arab News Japan

AMMAN: As Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa embarks on his trip the Middle East, he met with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi on Sept. 3 as part of the first leg of his tour.

On Sunday, the 4th Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue was held with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The two officials discussed strategic cooperation in various fields, the first being in the economic sector.

لقاء نائب رئيس الوزراء ووزير الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين @AymanHsafadi ونظيره وزير الخارجية الياباني هاياشي يوشيماسا، اليوم في مقر الوزارة. #الأردن#اليابان

🇯🇵 🇯🇴 pic.twitter.com/y2ShUitOA0

— وزارة الخارجية وشؤون المغتربين الأردنية (@ForeignMinistry) September 3, 2023

Safadi spoke about Jordan’s efforts toward economic and fiscal reform and modernization. After the explanation was given, a signing ceremony was held, in which Japan will loan 15 billion yen for the “Power Sector Reform and Resilience Enhancement Project” and 897 million yen of grant aid for power stabilization.

Jordan expressed their deep gratitude. Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to support economic reform, fiscal reform, and other initiatives. Also, both ministers welcomed the increase in exchanges between private companies.

They also discussed collaboration between the foreign and defense authorities of the two countries and the integration of the Self-Defense Forces in Jordan.

Cooperation in the defense and security fields, including deployment and operational training, is being further strengthened.

In December, the 2nd Global Refugee Forum will take place, in which both Japan and Jordan are co-hosting countries. The two officials agreed to make the forum a success. Japan also explained the desire to strengthen cooperation in refugee support.

Minister Hayashi spoke about the IAEA’s comprehensive plan regarding the recent discharge of ALPS treated water from Fukushima’s nuclear plants into the ocean.

Safadi has shown understanding of the discharge of tritium-containing treated water from the meltdown-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Monday.

At the meeting, Safadi said he is confident that Japan will comply with international standards, according to the ministry.

He made the remarks after Hayashi explained the safety of the water release from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. plant in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s assessment shown in its comprehensive report released in July.

The release of the treated water began Aug. 24. The water is diluted with seawater to lower concentrations of tritium, a radioactive substance, far below safety standards before being released into the Pacific Ocean.

Regarding Middle East tensions, Hayashi commented on the increasing tensions between Israel and Palestine and the continuing serious security situation. Jordan’s PM explained the country’s efforts in preventing deterioration and realizing a just and lasting peace deal based on a two-state solution.

Safadi also spoke about Jordan’s efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis. In response, Hayashi explained Japan’s position and said he would like to continue working together.

The two ministers exchanged opinions on the situation in Russia and Ukraine, and Minister Hayashi said the through actions such as unilaterally ending participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Russia has used food as a weapon.

He added that it is important to point out that the situation is changing rapidly, and to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

They ended their meeting by agreeing on continuing to work toward advancing cooperation between the two countries based on their strategic partnership.

Hayashi will also be visiting Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Poland until Sept. 9

*With JIJI Press