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(Unofficial translation of Japanese press release)

April 14, 2009

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

 

H.M. King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visited Japan from April 12 (Sun) to 14 (Tue) at the invitation of the Government of Japan.

 

1. Schedule

Sunday, April 12:	Arrival
Monday, April 13:	Courtesy calls by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, President of Japan Jordan Friendship Association, and Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone
Tuesday, April 14:	Luncheon with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Talks with Prime Minister Taro Aso (including a working dinner)  Departure

 

2. Summary and Evaluation of the Visit

(1) This is 9^th visit of H.M. King Abdullah II (6^th visit as as the King of Jordan) and 2 years and 4 months have passed since the last visit. Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal, Princess Raiyah, and Prince Ghazi accompanied the King from the Royal Family.

 

(2) At ministerial level, H.E. Mr. Nasser Judeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Ms. Suhair Al-Ali, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation accompanied the King.

Foreign Minister Judeh had the 3^rd Policy Consultation with Foreign Minister Nakasone, where two Ministers frankly discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, such as the Middle East Peace Process and Iraq.

 

(3) Japan conveyed its policy to continue economic assistance to Jordan, in light of importance of Jordan for stability and prosperity of the Middle East and difficult economic situation that Jordan suffers.

 

(4) With regard to the nuclear power, the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission was signed, which marked the beginning of the future cooperation.

 

(5) Regarding the regional situation, such as the Middle East Peace Process, Iraq and Iran, Japan introduced its initiatives including the concept of “the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” and asked for the cooperation in these initiatives; heard views of Jordan, which is well-informed about this region as it borders on Iraq and Palestine.

 

(6) Jordan has been playing a constructive role of a stabilizing factor as the Arab Center by bridging between Arab nations and Israel. In this sense, it is extremely crucial, with a view to sustain the stability of the whole Middle East, to support and cooperate with Jordan for the regional stability. This was a timely visit and it was appropriate that Japan expressed its support to Jordan, when the situation in the Middle East increasingly becomes unforeseeable as the right-wing government launched in Israel.

 

3. Talks between Prime Minister Aso and H.M. King Abdullah II

(1) Prime Minister Aso and King Abdullah frankly discussed bilateral relations and the Middle East Peace Process.

 

(2) On bilateral relations, Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan had been extending economic cooperation to Jordan based on the principle that to support the development of Jordan would lead to the peace and stability of the Middle East region; and welcomed the latest signature of the Memorandum of Cooperation in nuclear power program.

In response, King Abdullah expressed appreciation to Japan’s assistance; stated that in the field of nuclear power, Jordan had a mega-project related to uranium and hoped for participation of the Government and private sector of Japan; and further stated, on water resources, Jordan had major projects such as a canal connecting Red Sea and Dead Sea as well as desalination and water conveyance related to the canal project, and hoped for Japan’s cooperation in these projects.

 

(3) On the Middle East Peace Process, King Abdullah stated that he would visit the United States after Japan to have talks with President Obama; that he hoped to cooperate with the United States based on the two-state solution and “Arab Peace Initiative”; and that economic assistance from Japan would be important for the political stability. 

In response, Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan experienced realizing peace through economic prosperity, on which the initiative of “the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” was based; and explained that the poverty and despair were behind terrorism, therefore, it was essential for Palestinian youth to feel hopes for the future through employment.

The two leaders agreed that it was important to support President Obama’s efforts for the Peace Process. 

 

H.M. King Abdullah II arrives in Japan (Photo: AP)	H.M. the King meets with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (Photo: Petra)

H.M. the King and Prime Minister Aso (Photo: Petra)	Talks between H.M. the King and PM Aso (Photo: Petra)	H.M. the King and Foreign Minister Nakasone  (Photo: Petra)
Courtesy Call by Members of Japan-Jordanian Parliamentary Friendship Association (Photo: Petra)	Courtesy Call by Representatives JICA, JBIC and JETRO (Photo: Petra)