Japan-Jordan Relations
Fourth Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue
September 3, 2023
On September 3, commencing at 3:10 p.m. local time (9:10 p.m. JST) for approximately 65 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, during his visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held the Fourth Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with H.E. Mr. Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that frequent meetings with Minister Safadi following the Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue this March in Tokyo are proof of the close relationship between Japan and Jordan. Minister Safadi welcomed Minister Hayashi to Jordan and stated that he looks forward to having wide-ranging discussions at the strategic dialogue and further deepening their cooperative relationship.
- The two ministers concurred on further strengthening their relationship across a broad spectrum of areas, including politics, economics, and security, with a view to enhance their bilateral strategic partnership.
- (1) Bilateral relations
A. Economic cooperation
Minister Safadi provided an overview of Jordan's efforts to implement modernization and economic and fiscal reforms. He expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance, including the approximately $100 million (15 billion yen) "Electricity Sector Reform and Resilience Enhancement Program Loan (Phase 2)" and the grant aid of 897 million yen for the "Project for Strengthening Capacity of Power System Operation " for stable and reliable electricity supply, for which a signing ceremony was held during this visit. In response, Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to support economic and fiscal reforms and other initiatives in Jordan. The two ministers also welcomed the increasingly active exchanges between private companies.
B. Defense and security
The two ministers welcomed the further enhancement of defense and security cooperation, including the Japan-Jordan Politico-Military (PM) dialogue and the Noncombatant Evacuation Operation training of the Japan Self-Defense Forces held in Jordan, and reaffirmed that they will continue to work together. Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for the training, stating that it also helped protect Japanese citizens and others in response to the situation in Sudan.
C. Assistance for refugees
Minister Hayashi explained Japan's assistance to the Middle East and pointed out that Japan and Jordan are co-sponsors of the Second Global Refugee Forum, which will be held this December. Minister Hayashi expressed his intention to cooperate with Jordan for the success of the forum and to strengthen cooperation in refugee assistance. Minister Safadi stated that Jordan values and highly appreciates Japan’s continued support.
D. Release of ALPS-treated water
Minister Hayashi explained Japan's position on the recent release of ALPS-treated water, referring to the IAEA's assessment in its Comprehensive Report. Minister Safadi stated that he is confident that Japan will comply with international standards.
- (2) Regional affairs
A. Situation in the Middle East
Minister Hayashi expressed his concerns over rising political tensions between Israel and Palestine and the current security situation. He explained Japan's political efforts to alleviate tensions and efforts to build confidence by utilizing its own framework, such as the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative. Minister Safadi explained Jordan's efforts to prevent further deterioration in Palestine as well as to find political horizons for restarting serious negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace on the basis of the two state solution. He stated that Jordan highly appreciates Japan’s efforts and would like to continue to work closely with Japan.
Minister Safadi also explained Jordan's efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis. Minister Hayashi explained Japan's position and stated that Japan would like to continue coordinating with Jordan.
B. Situation in Russia and Ukraine
The two ministers exchanged views regarding the situation in Russia and Ukraine. Minister Hayashi pointed out that Russia is weaponizing food through actions such as their unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He stated that it is necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. Minister Safadi reiterated Jordan’s position that international law, the UN charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, including Ukraine, must be respected.
C. Situation in East Asia
The two ministers exchanged views regarding the situation in East Asia, including China and North Korea. Minister Safadi stated that Jordan fully supports Japan in addressing issues related to North Korea.
Minister Hayashi also explained the new plan for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Minister Safadi stated that he completely agrees on the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law, including securing the freedom of navigation.
- (1) Bilateral relations
- Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude to Minister Safadi for the in-depth discussions and for his warm hospitality. The two ministers concurred to continue close coordination to advance cooperation between the two countries based on their strategic partnership.