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Ammon News -

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, held the second round of the strategic dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, which was launched in 2018, as an institutional action mechanism to maintain consultation and coordination on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, in addition to regional, international developments of mutual interest.

The two ministers stressed the "strong, distinguished" relations between the two countries, which have witnessed "remarkable" development over the past years in various fields.

Safadi and Motegi, who arrived in Amman as part of a regional tour, discussed the steps required to achieve "higher" levels of economic cooperation, trade exchange, as well as investment, educational and tourism cooperation, and bolster defense and security cooperation, including cooperation within the Aqaba meetings track, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Motegi said the strategic dialogue and its keenness to maintain this mechanism on a regular basis reflects the importance that the Kingdom and Japan attach to their "historic, strategic" relations, and the common willingness to develop them in various fields.

The duo discussed economic cooperation programs, investment opportunities in the water and energy fields, as well as Japan's support for the development process in Jordan, and the Kingdom's request to obtain a Japanese soft loan worth $300 million, said the statement.

Safadi said Japan is a "firm" strategic partner to Jordan, and valued its assistance to support the Kingdom's national economy and its development process, and confront the Covid-19 pandemic-induced consequences, regional crises and the refugee burden.

For his part, Motegi stressed the "deep-rooted" bilateral relations, stressing that the Kingdom is a "strategic" partner to Japan in the region.
Japan, Motegi said, is keen to develop the strategic partnership with the Kingdom, and increase coordination and consultation with Amman on regional issues, and ways to overcome the crises facing the Kingdom.

Safadi and Motegi also discussed regional developments, foremost are the Palestinian cause and efforts aimed at finding a "real" political horizon that would allow resumption of serious and effective negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution in accordance with international law.

The duo, moreover, discussed international developments of mutual interest, and agreed on the necessity to limit spread of nuclear weapons, respect international conventions in this context, and continue cooperation and coordination at international forums.

Safadi valued Japan's adherence to the two-state solution, stressing the importance of Tokyo's role in supporting international efforts to achieve comprehensive and just peace on the basis of the two-state solution.

Safadi also commended Japan's continuous support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stressing the importance of maintaining calm in the occupied Palestinian territories and stopping all Israeli measures that undermine the two-state solution.

Safadi stressed the need to stop all settlement activities, confiscate lands, demolish homes, expel Palestinians from their homes, respect the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, and respect the right of Sheikh Jarrah's people to their homes.

Safadi stressed the importance of finding a political and economic horizon for the Palestinian people, and proceeding with confidence-building steps, highlighting the importance of the "Pathway to Peace and Prosperity" initiative, launched by Japan in 2006, to contribute to international efforts to achieve peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

In this regard, Motegi lauded Jordan's "important" role and efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, and to establish security and stability in the region.

The Japanese minister appreciated Jordan's humanitarian role towards the refugees, despite the ensuing pressures.

The duo stressed the need to support the Iraqi government's efforts to establish security and stability, and to consolidate its victory against terrorism.
The ministers also reviewed developments aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis, which Safadi stressed the need to orchestrate all efforts to end the conflict through a political solution that preserves Syria's unity and cohesion, restores its security, stability and role, and creates conditions for the voluntary return of refugees.

Safadi and Motegi stressed the need to maintain security and stability in Afghanistan, respect the full rights of its citizens and residents, and ensure the safe evacuation of foreign nationals who wish to leave.

Safadi and Montegi agreed to hold the third round of strategic dialogue between the two countries in Japan next year, and praised the "advanced" level of coordination and cooperation between the two countries.