Press Releases
Third Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue
March 13, 2023


On March 13, commencing at 6:30 p.m. for approximately 105 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held the Third Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with H. E. Mr. Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who is visiting Japan upon invitation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. From Jordanian side, H.E. Ms. Zeina Toukan also attended the meeting. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi referred to the steadily growing bilateral relationship in a range of areas based on the strategic partnership, and expressed his hope to have meaningful discussions at the third strategic dialogue, including discussions on way for further developing the bilateral cooperative relationship, how to respond to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine where tensions are rising. In response, Minister Safadi stated that the Japan-Jordan friendly relations have been developing steadily, and he looks forward to having wide-ranging discussions at the strategic dialogue and further deepening the cooperative relationship.
- The two ministers concurred on further strengthening of the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas, including politics, economy, and security, with a view to enhancing the bilateral strategic partnership, as follows.
- (1) Bilateral relations
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A. Exchange of high-level visits
The two ministers confirmed to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship and hold dialogues, making use of exchange of high-level visits and other occasions. -
B. Economic cooperation
Minister Safadi and Minister Toukan gave an overview of Jordan’s economy and the Government’s efforts in implementing the economic modernization vision, in addition to the administrative and political modernization reforms. In response, Minister Hayashi explained the support Japan has provided in the power and water sectors, among other areas, and the initiatives to be implemented to assist Jordan’s efforts. The two ministers shared the importance of Jordan’s economic and financial reforms concurred on strengthening cooperative relations. -
C. Assistance for refugees
Minister Hayashi, referring to the fact that Jordan is hosting of a large number of refugees as well as the increasingly severe environment surrounding refugees especially due to the recent surge in fuel prices, explained that Japan has provided a total of approximately US$10.44 million from the FY2022 supplementary budget for Jordan through international organizations such as UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and stated that Japan will continue to support Jordan’s efforts. Minister Safadi stated that Jordan highly values and appreciates Japan’s continued support in this regard. He emphasized that the international community needs to continue supporting refugees and host countries. -
D. Security
The two ministers welcomed the further enhancement of defense and security cooperation, including the first Noncombatant Evacuation Operation training of the Japan Self-Defense Forces held in Jordan last December, and confirmed to continue collaboration.
In addition, the two ministers concurred on deepening cooperation in areas such as building safe and reliable communication networks and improving cybersecurity capabilities and on combatting terrorism including through the Aqaba Process. -
E. Academic and cultural exchanges
The two ministers welcomed the deepening of academic exchanges, such as programs on studying abroad in the two countries based on cooperation between Japanese and Jordanian universities, and concurred on accelerating preparations in the lead-up to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024.
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A. Exchange of high-level visits
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(2) Regional affairs
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A. Situation in the Middle East
Minister Hayashi expressed his deep concerns over rising political tensions between Israel and Palestine and the current serious security situation, and commended Jordan’s calls on relevant parties for easing tensions, including the five-party meeting hosted by Jordan in February. Minister Hayashi affirmed the important role of the Hashemite Custodianship over the holy sites in Jerusalem, and stated that Japan will play its role by carrying out its own efforts, such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative. The two ministers concurred on close coordination to build trust between the parties. In this regard, Minister Safadi briefed on Jordan’s efforts to prevent further deterioration in the Palestinian territories as well as to find political horizons for restarting serious negotiations to achieve just and lasting peace on the basis of two state solution, and stated that Jordan highly appreciates the efforts Japan has made and will continue to work closely with Japan.
The two ministers also exchanged views regarding the situation in the Middle East, such as Iraq and Syria. -
B. Response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
The two ministers discussed how to respond to situation in Ukraine, and shared the views that the international community must unite in urging that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world. Minister Hayashi further stated that Japan, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during wartime, absolutely cannot accept Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone of its use under any circumstances. Minister Safadi stressed the need to end the war, reiterating Jordan’s position that the 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 also exchanged views regarding the situation in East Asia, including China and North Korea, and Minister Safadi expressed support for Japan in its efforts to address North Korea, including on the abductions issue.
Minister Hayashi explained a new “National Security Strategy (NSS)” that was formulated last December, which was welcomed by Minister Safadi.
Furthermore, Minister Hayashi explained the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The two ministers agreed on the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
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A. Situation in the Middle East
The two ministers concurred to convene the fourth round of the strategic dialogue with a view to further strengthening the strategic partnership. Minister Safadi thanked Minister Hayashi for the in-depth discussions and for his warm hospitality.