Japan ambassador hails continued development of ties with Jordan

AMMAN — Jordan-Japan relations have continually developed based on multi-layered people-to-people exchanges and regular inter-governmental coordination, thanks to the close bonds between the Imperial family of Japan and the Jordanian Royal family, according to Tokyo’s Ambassador in Amman, Okuyama Jiro.

In an interview with The Jordan Times on the occasion of Japan’s national day, which falls on Thursday, the ambassador noted that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Stressing Jordan’s key role in maintaining regional peace and stability amid unpredictable global contexts, the envoy noted that “in order to support political and social stability and economic development, Japan has continuously provided assistance to various sectors, such as water, energy and tourism”.

Totalling loans, grants and technical cooperation, Japanese assistance to Jordan has reached over $4 billion, the ambassador said.

“As recent support to the government of Jordan, we disbursed $110 million last December so that the Jordanian government can promote electricity sector reform, as well as reach self-reliance and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

In addition to the energy sector, the water sector is also a priority in Japan’s development assistance to Jordan, the envoy added.

“We are fully aware of the importance and gravity of the water crisis in Jordan, which is getting worse due to the impact of climate change as well as population growth,” Okuyama said.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is currently implementing a grant assistance project worth $22.9 million to support the Zai Water Supply System. 

“Furthermore, we are ready to support the National Conveyance Project, and we are currently coordinating with Jordan’s relevant authorities,” Okuyama said.

Touching on Japan’s support for Jordan’s refugee-hosting efforts, the ambassador said that this year, Tokyo decided to extend over $12 million to international organisations such as UNRWA and UNHCR so that refugees and the vulnerable people in host communities can meet basic needs.

“Furthermore, we have provided various support to the government of Jordan to mitigate burdens on social services, such as food security, education, healthcare and water sanitation,” he said.

Although more than 10 years have passed since the Syrian crisis, Japan recognises that Jordan still needs support from the international community, the ambassador said.

“As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council  and the G7 Presidency, we would like to do our best to contribute to peace and stability in the world, including in this region,” he added.

Regarding trade ties and investment environment in Jordan, Okuyama said that the new Investment Environment Law and its bylaw, which reflects the opinions of various investors, will play an effective role in developing a more investor-friendly environment and attracting more foreign direct investments. “Japan sees Jordan’s efforts for economic modernisation as an important step,” he added.

In light of growing global concern for energy security and trends towards environmentally friendly endeavours, Jordan, especially in the renewable energy sector, “has great potential”, the ambassador said, noting that many Japanese companies invest in power generation projects.

According to the Trade Statistics of Japan 2021, the total value of bilateral trade stood at  approximately $487 million, with Japan’s exports to Jordan amounting to $440 million and imports from Jordan amounting to $47 million. The strong trade relationship “has not changed much in recent years”, according to the envoy.

“We are supposed to host Osaka, Kansai Expo in 2025, and we are sure that it will be a very important opportunity for the two countries to expand economic cooperation,” Okuyama said.

As the international community faced a number unprecedented challenges, most prominently among them the COVID-19 pandemic, the war against Ukraine and climate change, the ambassador expressed his belief that “a multi-dimensional, bilateral relationship between Japan and Jordan has great potential”.

As both countries near the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the ambassador said: “Let’s enjoy each other’s culture, and let’s work together for a peaceful and prosperous world.”