Tokyo: The third strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of Japan and Jordan was held in Tokyo on 13 March. On a wide range of bilateral, regional and East Asian issues including security, economy, financial aid to Jordan and refugee assistance, the two ministers decided to strengthen their relationship.

The meeting was attended by Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, along with visiting Jordanian expatriates and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Ayman al-Safadi. According to the Tokyo Foreign Ministry, the meeting lasted for about 105 minutes.

According to the ministry, Minister Hayashi discussed the growing bilateral relations in several areas on the basis of strategic partnership and expressed his desire to see them move forward.

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In response, Minister Safadi said that friendly relations between Jordan and Japan are growing steadily, and he looks forward to further developing their working relationship.

The two ministers agreed that there was a need to further strengthen the relationship in several areas, including security, exchange of high-level visits and economic cooperation.

A summary of Jordan's economy and the government's initiatives to modernize it was provided by Minister Safadi. Hayashi outlined the initiative to assist Japan in the water and power sectors, among other areas, along with Jordan's efforts. The two ministers acknowledged the importance of Jordan's economic and financial reforms.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, refugee aid was also covered in the meeting. Minister Hayashi pointed out that Japan has provided a total of about US$10.44 million from the FY2022 supplementary budget through international organizations such as UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

Had done Minister Hayashi was referring to the fact that Jordan is hosting a large number of refugees as well as the associated harsh environment, especially due to the recent jump in fuel prices.

According to Minister Safadi, Jordan values and appreciates Japan's continued support. He stressed the need for the international community to assist host countries and refugees.

The two ministers welcomed the first non-combat evacuation operation training of the Japan Self-Defense Forces held in Jordan in December, and agreed to continue their defense and security cooperation.

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The two ministers also agreed to intensify their cooperation in areas such as developing reliable and secure 5G networks, enhancing cyber security capabilities, and countering terrorism, including the Aqaba Process.

The two ministers agreed to accelerate preparations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 and welcomed the expansion of academic exchanges, such as those built on cooperation between Japanese and Jordanian universities abroad in the two countries Program for study.

The conversation turned to the Middle East as Minister Hayashi expressed his deep concern about the rising political tensions between Israel and Palestine and the current dangerous security situation. He also praised Jordan for convening relevant parties to reduce tensions, including a five-party meeting hosted by Jordan.

Minister Hayashi said Japan would play its part by carrying out its efforts, such as the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative, and reaffirmed the important role of the Hashemite custodianship over the holy sites in Jerusalem.

Both the Ministers agreed that close coordination is necessary to enhance mutual trust.

In this regard, Minister Safadi called for preventing the worsening of the situation in the Palestinian territories as well as finding the political horizon to resume serious negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution. Reported on Jordan's efforts. He also said that Jordan attaches great importance to the efforts made by Japan and will continue to cooperate with Japan.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including Iraq and Syria, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, which did not provide any additional details.

According to the statement, the two ministers talked about how to respond to Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine and agreed that everyone in the world should stand together and say that there is no way to unilaterally change the status quo. The use of force is unacceptable everywhere.

Minister Hayashi went on to say that Japan, the only nation to have ever experienced atomic bombings during hostilities, cannot accept Russia's nuclear threats or, worse yet, its use in any situation.

Asserting Jordan's position that international law, the UN charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, must be respected, Minister Safadi emphasised the necessity of putting an end to the war.

According to the foreign ministry, Minister Safadi expressed support for Japan in its efforts to deal with North Korea, including on the abductions issue, during their discussion of the situation in East Asia, which included China and North Korea. The two ministers also discussed other topics.

Minister Safadi welcomed the new "National Security Strategy (NSS)" that Minister Hayashi described. It was created in December. The Free and Open Indo-Pacific was also explained by Minister Hayashi (FOIP).

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The two ministers concurred on the necessity of a free and open international order founded on the rule of law and agreed to cooperate in advancing FOIP.

The fourth round of the strategic dialogue will be held, as agreed by the two ministers, to further fortify the strategic partnership. Minister Safadi expressed his gratitude to Minister Hayashi for the in-depth conversations and his gracious hospitality.