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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Jordan was aimed at backing the country which has emerged as a model of moderation in the Middle East, said Kuni Sato, spokesperson of the Japanese Prime Ministry, adding that the visit will also boost cultural ties between the two countries.

Sato told reporters that the Japanese prime minister will announce a new tranche of aid to the Kingdom to help it grapple with the fallout of the Syrian refugees on the Kingdom's limited resources. "The visit focuses on forging closer bilateral ties, mainly in the political and economic fields," she added.

Sato noted that a Japanese business delegation is also accompanying the prime minister to have a first-hand look at the investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

"During Abe's visit, a loan agreement to establish "Shams Maan" solar energy project would be signed, she said, noting that a letter of intent will also be signed by Japanese, international and Jordanian companies to finance a project for use of solar energy to operate electricity production plants in the Kingdom.

On the peace process, Sato said the prime minister will carry an important message to the Israeli side on the importance of ending unilateral actions that do not serve the peace process. "Prime Minister Abe will also ask both, the Palestinians and the Israelis, to take bold steps to achieve peace and shoulder their responsibilities to realize the two-state solution," she added.

In this context, Sato noted that the prime minister will highlight the Japanese 'Corridor for Peace and Prosperity' initiative, and will meet with Palestinian and Israeli alumni who were hosted by her country to promote coexistence and highlight Japan's role in enhancing the culture of respect and coexistence.

Regarding Japan's stance on publication of cartoons insulting Islam, Sato said that while Japan respects freedom of expression, it stresses the need to respect others'.

Sato added that her country seeks to support the role played by the international coalition to fight ISIS or Da’esh terrorists but added that Japan's role focuses on the humanitarian side as her country cannot play a military role because the Japanese constitution does not give the government the authority to do so.

She added that there is an intention to amend the constitution and laws to pave the way for military participation in efforts to fight Da’esh, which, she said, not only pose a threat to the Middle East, but also to the whole world.

The last visit by a Japanese prime minister to Jordan was nine years ago when the then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Kingdom in 2006.

*Petra