The third strategic meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan and Jordan took place on March 13 2023 in Tokyo. The two ministers agreed to develop their ties further on a wide variety of bilateral, regional, and East Asian problems, including security, the economy, financial assistance to Jordan, and supporting refugees.
The Foreign Minister of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi, attended the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Al-Safadi, and Jordanian expatriates.
According to the Tokyo foreign ministry, the meeting lasted around 105 minutes. According to the ministry, Minister Hayashi discussed the progressively expanding bilateral ties in a number of areas based on the strategic partnership and expressed his desire to see them continue to flourish.
In response, Minister Safadi said that the friendly relations between Jordan and Japan have been growing gradually, and he is eager to further enhance their working connection.
The two ministers agreed that the relationship needed to be strengthened further in a number of areas, including security, exchanging high-level visits, and economic cooperation.
A summary of Jordan’s economy and government initiatives to modernize was provided by Minister Safadi. Hayashi outlined the attempts to support Jordan’s efforts as well as Japan’s assistance in the water and power sectors, among other areas. The significance of Jordan’s economic and financial reforms was acknowledged by the two ministers.
According to the foreign ministry, the meeting also covered refugee assistance. Minister Hayashi explained that Japan had provided a total of about US$10.44 million from the FY2022 supplementary budget for Jordan through international organizations like UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) and UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Minister Hayashi was referring to the fact that Jordan is
hosting a large number of refugees as well as the related harsh environment, especially due to the recent surge in fuel prices.
Jordan values and appreciates Japan’s sustained support, according to Minister Safadi. He stressed the necessity for the international community to keep aiding host nations and refugees.
The first Noncombatant Evacuation Operation training of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which was held in Jordan in December, was praised by the two ministers, and they agreed to maintain their military and security cooperation. The two ministers also agreed to intensify their collaboration in fields including developing dependable and secure 5G networks, enhancing cybersecurity capabilities, and countering terrorism, particularly through the Aqaba Process.
The two ministers agreed to speed up preparations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 and welcomed the expansion of academic exchanges, such as programs for studying abroad in the two nations built on collaboration between Japanese and Jordanian universities.
Minister Safadi applauded Minister Hayashi’s explanation of the new “National Security Strategy (NSS)” that was created in December. Minister Hayashi additionally discussed the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The two ministers consented to work together to advance FOIP and agreed on the significance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
The fourth round of the strategic conversation will be held, as agreed by the two ministers, to further fortify the strategic alliance. Minister Safadi expressed his gratitude to Minister Hayashi for the in-depth conversations and his gracious hospitality.
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