Amman, 4 September 2023(TDI): Hayashi Yoshimasa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs representing Japan, participated in the fourth round of the Japan-Jordan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
He engaged in this dialogue alongside Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The meeting, held for approximately 65 minutes, further solidified the strong and strategic partnership between Japan and Jordan.
At the outset of the dialogue, Foreign Minister Hayashi emphasized the importance of their frequent meetings, highlighting the close relationship between Japan and Jordan.
Foreign Minister Safadi warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Hayashi to Jordan and expressed his anticipation for productive discussions during the strategic dialogue, to deepen the cooperative relationship between the two nations.
During the strategic dialogue, several key areas of cooperation and mutual interest were addressed.
Foreign Minister Safadi provided an overview of Jordan’s ongoing modernization and economic and fiscal reforms.
He expressed gratitude for Japan’s significant support, which included a $100 million (15 billion yen) “Electricity Sector Reform and Resilience Enhancement Program Loan (Phase 2)” and a grant aid of 897 million yen for the “Project for Strengthening Capacity of Power System Operation.”
Foreign Minister Hayashi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s economic and fiscal reforms and celebrated the growing exchanges between private companies from both nations.
The Foreign ministers celebrated the deepening of defense and security cooperation, including the Japan-Jordan Politico-Military dialogue and Noncombatant Evacuation Operation training of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Jordan.
Minister Hayashi outlined Japan’s assistance to the Middle East and announced that Japan and Jordan are co-sponsors of the Second Global Refugee Forum to be held in December.
Both Foreign Ministers expressed their intention to collaborate for the forum’s success and to strengthen their cooperation in refugee assistance.
Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s position on the recent release of ALPS-treated water, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s assessment in its Comprehensive Report.
Foreign Minister Safadi expressed confidence in Japan’s adherence to international standards.
Minister Hayashi expressed concern about rising political tensions between Israel and Palestine and the current security situation.
He explained Japan’s efforts to alleviate tensions and build confidence through initiatives such as the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity.”
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Minister Safadi shared Jordan’s efforts to prevent further deterioration in Palestine and its commitment to the two-state solution.
He expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts and the desire to continue close collaboration.
Minister Safadi outlined Jordan’s efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, with Minister Hayashi expressing Japan’s commitment to coordinating with Jordan on this matter.
The ministers discussed the situation in Russia and Ukraine, with Minister Hayashi pointing out Russia’s actions, including the unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, respecting international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
The ministers exchanged views on East Asia, including China and North Korea. Minister Safadi expressed full support for Japan’s approach to North Korea.
Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” plan, and Minister Safadi expressed agreement on the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law, including securing freedom of navigation.
In closing, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude to Minister Safadi for the productive discussions and warm hospitality. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued close coordination to advance cooperation between Japan and Jordan based on their strategic partnership.
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