Japan-Jordan Relations
Minister Kono’s Visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
On December 26, H.E. Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a foreign minister’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and paid a courtesy call on Dr. Hani Al Mulki, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, during his visit to Jordan.
The overview is as follows.
1. Japan-Jordan Foreign Minister’s Meeting (from 15:00 local time for 15 minutes)
(1) In the beginning, Minister Safadi welcomed his visit to Jordan, and extended his gratitude towards Japan’s support for Jordan. Also, Minister Safadi stressed the importance of Japan’s role in the region and welcomed Japan’s engagement.
(2) In response, Minister Kono emphasized the importance of Japan’s role to support Jordan, which accepts a number of Syrian refugees and take generous meagures for them, in terms of job opportunities and public education.
(3) The two ministers also exchanged their views on the Middle East Peace Process. Minister Kono explained Japan’s position such as its support to a two-state solution, and stressed that Japan is not considering of moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Minister Safadi, in reply, expressed that the United States’ role is still important even after the situation became complicated by the United States’ announcement regarding Jerusalem. Minister Safadi expressed his willingness to coordinate with the concerned countries in order to resume the Peace Process and said that Jordan would like to work closely with Japan, as an important partner.
(4) In addition, both ministers exchanged their views on issues of North Korea.
(Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan)
(Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan)
2. Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Mulki (from 15:40 local time for 20 minutes)
(1) In the beginning, Prime Minister Mulki stressed that Japan is an important country for Jordan, and expressed his high appreciation for Japan’s role to contribute to the humanitarian and economic sectors on the globe.
(2) In response, Minister Kono told that he appreciates Jordan’s policy towards Syrian refugees, and Japan would continue its assistance to support Jordan. Minister Kono also explained a new assistance of approximately 17.4 million US dollars for supporting Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan. In response, Prime Minister Mulki showed his deep appreciation for Japan’s assistance.
(3) Then, Minister Kono and Prime Minister Mulki exchanged their views on the Middle East Peace Process. In response to Minister Kono’s explanation about Japan’s position towards the issue, Prime Minister Mulki stated that Jordan would pursue a moderate approach and making its efforts in this direction even in such complicated situation by the United States’ announcement on Jerusalem. Also Prime Minister expressed his willingness to cooperate closely with Japan. In addition, both sides confirmed that they would promote their cooperation for the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.
(4) Prime Minister Mulki explained the economic reform in Jordan.
