National Day Reception Celebrates the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2025/2/26
On February 26th, the Japanese Embassy in Jordan hosted a reception to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Japan. The reception welcomed around 440 guests, including Jordanian government officials —such as ministers— , figures from various fields including politics, economics and culture, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and Japanese residents in Jordan.
The reception featured a vibrant exhibition area showcasing Ikebana flower arrangements by the Jordan branch of Ikebana International, booths representing Japanese private companies with Toyota and Mazda vehicles display, an embassy booth highlighting the cultural appeal of Japan, and a JICA booth introducing its projects in Jordan. Sushi was also prepared by the official residence chef.
In his remarks, Mr. ASARI Hideki, the Japanese Ambassador to Jordan, emphasized the significance of political and economic cooperation as the cornerstone of relations between the two countries. He underscored Jordan’s crucial role in regional stability and Japan’s support for both Jordan and Palestine. Ambassador Asari also noted that Jordan will participate in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 with a pavilion under the theme of “Weaving Possibilities.” He expressed hope that this would further strengthen bilateral relations and promote dynamic cultural and economic exchanges.
Ambassador's speech
Her Excellency Dr. Nancy Namrouqa, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,Her Excellency Ms. Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to express my heartfelt welcome to all of you to our National Day reception, celebrating the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, 23 February.
This is also an occasion to celebrate strong bonds between our two nations which has extended for more than seventy years.
For seven decades, the strong bonds between our two nations have been nurtured through close people-to-people exchanges cooperation from our Imperial and Royal families to grassroots communities. Our Imperial and Royal families are tied with decades of friendship and trust. We are deeply honored that His Majesty King Abdullah II has visited Japan on 15 occasions, underscoring the depth of our bilateral relations. On Japan’s part, His Majesty the Emperor, when being the Crown Prince, visited Jordan twice, strengthening bonds with His Majesty the Late King Hussein and His Majesty King Abdullah II. Most recently, Their Royal Highnesses Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan visited Japan last November to celebrate the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
The 70th anniversary celebrated last year witnessed countless events of exchanges and friendship between our countries. We had a joint concert of Japanese traditional instrument koto and Arabic instruments such as the oud and nay, where the fusion of Japanese and Arabic music mesmerized the audience. We are grateful to the Jordan-Japan Friendship Association for organizing the Japan Day for Peace charity event in October in support of Gaza, which was a remarkable demonstration of solidarity. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated and contributed to all these initiatives.
This year marks the first year of our friendship for the next seventy years, and Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, from April to October, will be an excellent opportunity for us to strengthen exchanges and for Jordan to showcase the richness of its culture, heritage, business opportunities and various other attractiveness. The theme of Jordan Pavilion is “Weaving Possibilities” and its construction is underway toward completion.
Our cooperation has also expanded into the field of defense. In 2024, Major General Yousef Al-Hnaity, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces paid a visit to Japan, discussing bilateral defense ties. For the first time, Japanese general officers took part in MESOC (The Middle East Special Operations Commanders Conference) and SOFEX (Special Operation Force Exhibition and Conference) in Jordan. In a testament to our strategic cooperation, Jordan played an invaluable role in facilitating evacuation mission for Japanese nationals from Lebanon via Jordan last year. I extend my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to strengthening our defense cooperation.
The Middle East is going through a historic time, be it Palestine, or Syria, with hope as well as caution. In this context, Jordan plays an important role as an anchor for the regional stability. Japan acknowledges Jordan’s invaluable contributions as a host country for millions of refugees and as a hub for humanitarian aid to Gaza and Syria. Jordan is also making active diplomatic efforts on the regional issues.
On Gaza it is important that the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement be implemented steadily and in good faith. Japan strongly hopes that this agreement will lead to the stabilization of the Israeli-Palestinian situation in the long term.
As addressing the humanitarian crisis remains a top priority, Japan pledged an additional $100 million aid to Palestine at the end of last year, making the total assistance $230 million since October 7, 2023. We also believe that UNRWA plays an indispensable role in providing assistance to Palestine refugees, and Japan continues to support its activities through funding and other means.
Japan and Jordan share the goal of two state solution. Being invaluable strategic partners, Japan and Jordan are closely consulting on regional issues. Last month, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Matsumoto visited Jordan and engaged in discussions with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. More recently, in February in Munich, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya met with Foreign Minister Safadi and discussed regional issues as well as bilateral cooperation. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Jordan.
Japan and Jordan are economic partners as well. Recognizing Jordan’s essential role and contribution to the regional stability, Japan has provided more than $4.3 billion in economic assistance to date to support its sustainable growth. Just recently on Sunday this week, I had the honor of signing an agreement, with Minister Toukan who is present here, on water resource management.
Tourism is also a very important industry. Jordan is blessed with richness of history that extends over many millennia. Our cooperation encompasses Jordan Museum in Amman, Petra Museum and many others, preserving treasured heritages and offering visitors valuable insights.
Jordan is a host for renowned Japanese companies, some of which have displays today. One of the Embassy’s top priorities is that they do good business here and I hope more and more Japanese companies will come to this country.
Before concluding, allow me to briefly introduce today’s reception venue. To the left, you will find booths set up by the Embassy, JICA and five Japanese companies, showcasing their activities and contributions. Unfortunately, the two cars are not for raffle, but if you are interested in buying them, you can ask questions to the attendants. The beautiful floral arrangements decorating the venue today are an exquisite display of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, generously provided by Ikebana International Jordan Chapter. I extend my sincere appreciation to all of them for their kindness and contribution. Additionally, just outside this hall, you will find a Japanese food area where you can enjoy sushi made by our Embassy chef, Mr. Nakamura.
Once again, I would like to sincerely express my deep gratitude for joining us to celebrate our National Day.
Thank you, and please enjoy the evening.