Remarks in May 2007
Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan, delivered a speech at the Ground-breaking ceremony of the project for Improvement of the Water Supply for the Zarqa District (Phase II) on 14 May 2007
His Excellency Mr.Mohamad Thafer Al Alem, Minister of Water and Irrigation,
Mr. Ahmad Al-Sheyyab, Governor of Zarqa District,
Mr.Hiroshi Kameda, President of Tokyo Engineering Consultants,
Mr.Katsuhiko Saijo, General Manager of Dai Nippon Construction,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of Japan, I am very pleased and honored to be here today for the Ground-Breaking Ceremony on the “Project for Improvement of the Water Supply in Zarqa District (Phase II)”.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Mohamad Thafer Al Alem, Minister of Water and Irrigation, for hosting today’s memorable ceremony. I am especially honored by your esteemed presence here this morning. This ceremony marks one of the fruits of cordial cooperation between our two countries.
Japan and Jordan have fostered a significant partnership in various areas and levels, and have worked together to improve development and prosperity for decades.
While Jordan is exerting active efforts towards the reforms in various spheres domestically and the Middle East peace process regionally, it is playing a key role to build up further peace and prosperity in the Middle East region along with Japan and other friends in international community.
One aspect of these remarkable and excellent relations is Japan’s continuous assistance to Jordan. The Government of Japan has implemented various projects through technical and financial support to our Jordanian friends for achieving higher living standards and sustainable development in Jordan. In particular, the Government of Japan has addressed an importance of the “Water” which is a very important field in Jordan and defined as one of high priority on its socio-economic development.
I fully recognize that Jordan has been tackling with a severe imbalance in demand and supply of water caused by the increasing population and its unique geographical features.
In order to fulfill in the shortage and to strengthen efficiency of the water management, Jordan has looked for new water resources and has undertaken the positive steps for the reduction of Non-Revenue Water. I highly commend these measures taken by His Excellency Mr. Mohamad Thafer Al Alem, Minister of Water and Irrigation.
In response to Jordan’s tremendous efforts, Japan has extended financial and technical assistance in the fields of developing water resources and reducing Non-Revenue Water.
This assistance has been made through Japan’s firm recognition that stable and continuous water supply is imperative to the promotion of industrial, agricultural, social and other activities.
This project worth Three Million One Hundred and Forty Six Thousand JD (approximately Four Million Four Hundred and Forty Four US Dollars) and is part of Japan’s contribution in upgrading current water supply conditions by reducing Non-Revenue Water through the improvement and expansion of existing deteriorated water supply facilities in Zarqa District. The total amount of the entire project is about Fourteen Million One Hundred and Sixty Thousand JD (approximately twenty Million USD).
The signing ceremony of Exchange of Notes on this project was done memorably under the esteemed high presence of both Prime Ministers, H.E. Dr. Al Bakhit and H.E. Mr. Koizumi on the occasion of his official visit to Jordan in July, 2006. I am sure that this project does not only lay a foundation in improving the living standard and industrial activities in these districts but also accelerates mutual understanding and friendship between Jordan and Japan as well. I would like to assure that the Government of Japan will further continue to work with the Government of Jordan in order to support Jordanian people who are making tremendous efforts to build up a higher standard of living.
On this occasion, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all the staff of water authorities as well as JICA including Japanese consultant and construction companies, who are devoting themselves towards the success of this project and who helped to organize today’s ceremony as well.
In closing, I take this opportunity to thank the Government and people of Jordan for allowing us to work side by side and to enhance bonds of friendship and goodwill, and I wish to commend the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan for its aspirations in improving the living standards of its people under the wise leadership of His majesty King Abdullah Ⅱ bin Al Hussein. Thank you
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