Arab News Japan

TOKYO:  Prime Minister of Japan, TAKAICHI Sanae, on November 11, hosted a working dinner with King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. During their meeting, they committed to deepening bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation in security, economy, and other areas under their strategic partnership.

According to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Prime Minister Takaichi warmly welcomed King Abdullah II’s visit to Japan. She highly evaluated  Jordan’s vital role in maintaining regional stability under the King’s leadership. Additionally, she expressed her desire to further strengthen the bilateral ties supported by their strategic partnership, a sentiment shared by King Abdullah II.

In response, King Abdullah II expressed his appreciation for Japan’s warm hospitality and his desire to strengthen further the strategic bilateral relationship rooted in a long history, as well as to address regional and international challenges jointly.

Both sides discussed bilateral relations, focusing on security cooperation. Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted Japan’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between defense authorities and enhancing cybersecurity. She thanked Jordan for its ongoing support in protecting Japan’s nationals in the Middle East.

In response, King Abdullah II welcomed that and expressed his expectation for further enhanced cooperation in the future.

King Abdullah II expressed his gratitude for Japan’s consistent support, which has steadily strengthened Jordan’s society and economy in terms of bilateral economic cooperation. In response, Prime Minister Takaichi acknowledged the King’s leadership in advancing Jordan’s economic and fiscal reforms. She noted the significant burdens that the large number of refugees has placed on Jordanian society and affirmed that Japan will continue to support Jordan.

Both parties agreed to form a public-private joint committee to improve the business environment and attract investments in Jordan, thereby supporting the operations of Japanese companies in the country.

Regional affairs were also addressed, with Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasizing the importance of sustaining the ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring that the agreement is implemented sincerely and steadily. She highlighted Japan’s commitment to actively contributing to international efforts aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza and promoting its early recovery and reconstruction. Additionally, she reaffirmed Japan’s intention to continue playing a realistic and proactive role in advancing the realization of a two-state solution.

In response, King Abdullah II provided an overview of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Jordan’s efforts to support the reconstruction of Syria. He expressed a desire to enhance information sharing and exchange of views with Japan, emphasizing the importance of continued close cooperation for the stability and development of the region. Prime Minister Takaichi echoed this commitment.

The two leaders discussed the regional situation in East Asia and expressed their approval of the signing of notes for the ODA Loan aimed at “Enhancing Resilience for Economic Growth and Human Capital Development.” They also welcomed the Grant Aid for the “Economic and Social Development Program,” which focuses on cybersecurity equipment, as well as the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.