Press Release on May 20, 2009
Japan Extends 1.8 Billion Yen (13 mil JD) to Jordan as a Financial Support as One of The Outcomes of H.M.'s Recent Visit to Japan
(Arabic version)
The Government of Japan has extended to the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan a new grant of One Billion and Eight Hundred Million Japanese Yen(\1,800,000,000), approximately Thirteen Million Jordan dinars (JD13,000,000) at the current exchange rate, for the purpose of promoting the economic structural adjustment efforts by the Government of Jordan as one of the outcomes of His Majesty’s recent visit to Japan. Notes to this effect were exchanged in Amman today, between H.E. Mr. Tetsuo Shioguchi, Ambassador of Japan and H.E. Ms. Suhair Al-Ali, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation. This grant is called Non-Project Grant Aid.
Since 1994, eleven Non-Project Grant Aids have been extended to Jordan totaling the amount of Twenty-Six billion and Eight hundred million Japanese Yen (\26,800,000,000), approximately One Hundred Ninety Five million Jordan dinars(JD195,000,000). During the past few years, the Government of Jordan has used the Non-Project grant aids to purchase a number of commodities including barley, wheat, ammonia, construction machinery and oil in order to help improve the financial situation in Jordan. These commodities have certainly assisted the Government of Jordan in pursuing its social and economic reforms as well as maintaining fiscal and monetary stability.
In addition to the above mentioned Non-Project Grant Aid, the proceeds of the grants have supported the economic and social development projects in Jordan in various fields such as civil defense service, agriculture, water, environment and industrial promotion in accordance with the Jordanian Government’s development policy.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Shioguchi reiterated the critical importance of this year which marks the 10th anniversary of H.M. Abdullah's ascension to the throne, the 20th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Jordan. Since 1954, the two countries have cultivated close and friendly ties, based on principles of mutual respect and cooperation between the governments and people together with close friendly relationships amongst the two Royal Families.
H.M. King Abdullah II made a working visit to Japan from 12th to 14th April upon invitation of the Government of Japan. This was the ninth visit in total, and the sixth since his enthronement. H. M. The King met with Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress, Prime Minister Aso, former Prime Minister Koizumi, members of the Japan - Jordan friendship association. Both sides held the 3rd policy consultation talks on foreign minister level and discussed the situation in the region including the Middle East peace process as well as bilateral relations. Moreover, the representatives of both sides signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan concerning cooperation in the development of Nuclear Power Program in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Minister Al-Ali, who accompanied His Majesty’s successful visit to Japan, expressed high appreciation for Japan’s commitment to continued financial and technical support to Jordan including the new Non-Project Grant Aid.
