Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh held meetings in Tokyo on Monday with ministers of economy, trade, industry, foreign affairs, and defense, along with Japanese officials.

The discussions covered bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to enhance them across various fields.

The Prime Minister emphasized that his visit to Japan follows up on the significant visit made by His Majesty King Abdullah II to Japan last year, aiming to build upon it within the framework of the existing friendship between the Royal family in Jordan and the imperial family in Japan. He highlighted the political will to develop and enhance these relations between the two friendly nations.

During his meeting with Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Saito Ken, discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation in economic and developmental fields. The Prime Minister underscored ample opportunities for increased economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, noting Jordan's geographic location as a gateway for market entry into the region.

Moreover, Khasawneh expressed Jordan's interest in participating in the Osaka Expo 2025 in Japan, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties and trade exchanges between the two nations.

Khasawneh commended the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry for organizing the Jordanian-Japanese Business Forum in Amman last year, suggesting the possibility of organizing a Jordanian-Japanese investment forum in the near future.

He also thanked Japan for its support of Jordan's developmental and reform efforts, including significant Japanese support for Jordan's national programs through the International Monetary Fund.

Khasawneh highlighted Jordan's investment opportunities in several vital sectors, particularly green energy, information technology, and mining.

For his part, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry expressed eagerness to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Jordan. He pointed out that the strategic partnership between the two countries provides a suitable ground for expanding cooperation between the friendly nations.

During his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the Prime Minister emphasized the historical relations and strategic partnership between Jordan and Japan, which have maintained diplomatic relations for 70 years. He also underscored Jordan's appreciation for Japan's support of Jordan's developmental and reform efforts, as well as its humanitarian aid to Palestinian and Syrian refugees in the Kingdom.

The Prime Minister highlighted the numerous commonalities and shared values between the two countries, emphasizing their mutual goal of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution that ensures security, stability, and prosperity for the region and its people.

Khasawneh briefed the Japanese Foreign Minister on His Majesty King Abdullah II's relentless efforts, including his recent tour to the United States, Canada, and several European countries, to halt the Israeli Occupation aggression against Gaza and ensure the urgent and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid. He reiterated that the only solution to end the conflict and achieve security and stability lies in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with its capital in East Jerusalem, within the framework of a two-state solution.

- Khasawneh conveys condolences to Japan -

Khasawneh extended condolences to the government and people of Japan for the victims of the recent earthquake, affirming Jordan's solidarity in overcoming its aftermath. He mentioned that Jordan, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is ready to provide any possible assistance.

For his part, the Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed Japan's support for Jordan and King Abdullah II's pivotal role in enhancing stability in the region. She indicated Japan's determination to capitalize on the momentum provided by the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations to deepen cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, and security.

She praised Jordan's respected and appreciated international policy, confirming a commitment to further strategic partnership with Jordan and support in all areas.

She expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing Japan's diplomatic efforts to improve humanitarian conditions and calm the situation as soon as possible.

Additionally, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in military and defense fields.

Khasawneh highlighted the distinguished level of cooperation, coordination, strategic dialogue, and military, economic, and developmental fields between the two countries.

He emphasized the importance of joint training programs between the armed forces of both countries, participation in peacekeeping forces, counter-terrorism efforts, and cybersecurity.

Khasawneh once again extended condolences to the government and people of Japan for the victims of the earthquake, affirming Jordan's solidarity with Japan in overcoming its aftermath.

The Japanese Defense Minister expressed appreciation for Jordan's role in supporting security and peace in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of increasing cooperation between the two countries in defense areas, exchange of experiences, and visits.

The Prime Minister also met with the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Akihiko Tanaka, praising the agency's efforts and projects in Jordan. He confirmed that JICA is a key developmental partner for Jordan and commended the role of its office in Amman in enhancing cooperation and partnership between the two sides.

- Education, water sectors -

Khasawneh presented the highlights of the projects Jordan intends to implement in various sectors such as education, water, and significant projects in Aqaba and the Mujib site. These projects are hoped to be supported financially and technically by the agency.

The Prime Minister expressed interest in expanding the training programs provided by JICA to build capacities that align with government efforts and programs in administrative modernization.

In turn, the President of JICA confirmed the agency's continued assistance and expertise to the Kingdom through its various programs, as well as the support provided to refugees in Jordan.

Khasawneh held a meeting with the Japanese-Jordanian Parliamentary Friendship Committee chaired by Tanaka Kozunori and its members. Khasawneh commended the committee's contributions to enhancing Japanese-Jordanian bilateral relations.

He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the legislative institutions in Jordan and Japan and exchanging visits and experiences to serve the bilateral relations, which extend over 70 years.

Furthermore, Khasawneh stressed the importance of enhancing cultural exchange and educational programs to increase closeness between the two friendly peoples.

The Japan Institute of Middle East Studies hosted Khasawneh in a dialogue session with its president, members, and a group of politicians and diplomats.

The Prime Minister affirmed that his current visit to Japan coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries, highlighting the distinguished relations, strategic partnership, and special relationship between the Hashemite family in Jordan and the Imperial family in Japan.

He also emphasized Japan's continuous support for Jordan and its developmental efforts. He added that they look forward to Japan's participation in vital projects outlined in Jordan's economic modernization vision in sectors such as information technology, food security, education, tourism, and cybersecurity, as well as in the strategic cooperation areas identified since 2018 in counter-terrorism, defense cooperation, political partnership, and development.

During the dialogue, the Prime Minister answered questions and inquiries from the audience regarding a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.