Visit to Japan of Minister of Foreign Affairs Marwan Al Muasher of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
(Outline and Evaluation)
June 3, 2002
1. Schedule
Minister of Foreign Affairs Marwan Al Muasher of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visited Japan from May 29 to June 1, and had a meeting and a dinner hosted by Minister Kawaguchi on May 30. The purpose of the Jordanian Foreign Minister's visit to Japan this time was to discuss the situation in the Middle East, bilateral relations and to exchange views on Iraq and Iran.
2. Outline
(1) Middle East Situation
Foreign Minister Muasher welcomed the fact that Japan has interests in the political aspect of the situation in the Middle East, and expressed his support for Japan's positive role. He stated, in reference to the situation in the Middle East, that a timetable for negotiations should be set, with the ultimate objectives identified prior to the negotiation as being "the security of Israel guaranteed by all the Arab states and the establishment of a Palestinian state". He also put forward three agendas for discussion in an international conference, namely (i) security for Israel and independence for the Palestinians, (ii) condemnation of suicide bombings and (iii) reform of the Palestinian Authority.
Foreign Minister Kawaguchi responded that the timing was also an important factor and expressed Japan's intention to continue its cooperation for the stability in the Middle East in political as well as economic aspects.
(2) Bilateral Relations
Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that, given Jordan's crucial position for the stability in the Middle East, Japan would consider the possibility to provide the non-project grant aid specifically requested by the Jordanian government and requested that the counter pay funds be directed particularly to alleviating the poverty of the Palestinian population in Jordan. Foreign Minister Muasher responded by expressing gratitude for Japan's support to date. Minister Muasher also requested that Japan give consideration to Jordanian debt relief at the Paris Club. In response, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi conveyed that Japan would consider the possibility within the international framework.
(3) Iraq
The two Ministers agreed on the need for Iraq to comply with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and to accept the United Nations inspection of weapons of mass destruction, and on the importance of diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution.
(4) Iran
The two Ministers exchanged views on Iran's support for terrorism and confirmed that they both share grave concerns on this issue.
3. Evaluation
This visit contributed to the promotion of closer bilateral relations and produced the following results.
(1) The two Ministers exchanged views on various issues on the Middle East during the meeting and over-dinner discussions. It was significant that they found many points of common ground and made policy coordination, which plays an important role in the stability of the region.
(2) The two Ministers had in-depth discussions on the circumstances and policies on the peace in the Middle East, focusing on the current situation. At a period when international efforts toward the Middle East peace process is intensifying, exchanging views with Jordan, which has close ties to the region and both of the parties concerned, on the circumstances and policies on the Middle East peace process was well-timed, especially as the meeting took place immediately before the visit of Foreign Minister Kawaguchi to Israel and the Palestinian autonomous territories.
(3) In this regard, Jordan expressed great appreciation to Japan's contribution and efforts with respect to the Middle East peace process and rendered its support for Japan to play a larger political role.
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