Jordan seeks to enhance partnership with Japan — King

AMMAN — Jordan is keen on building on its partnership with Japan in all spheres, especially in parliamentary and legislative work, His Majesty King Abdullah said Sunday.

At a meeting with a Japanese parliamentary delegation, the King conveyed his greetings to Japan’s Emperor Akihito, voicing pride in the historic ties between the two countries, whose diplomatic relations date back 60 years.

Discussions covered the latest developments in the Middle East, especially those related to the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis based on the two-state solution.

Regarding the Syrian issue, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s call for a comprehensive political solution that ends the suffering of the Syrian people.

The Monarch also briefed the delegates on the repercussions of hosting a huge number of Syrians in Jordan, urging the international community to continue its support to the Kingdom and local communities hosting refugees.

For their part, the Japanese lawmakers expressed their country’s keenness on boosting cooperation with Jordan.

They praised the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, and His Majesty’s role in setting Jordan as a model for reform and development, despite regional challenges.

The delegates also thanked Jordan for its support to their country in dealing with the repercussions of the radioactive leaks at Fukushima nuclear plant after the 2011 meltdown.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury also attended the meeting.

Also on Sunday, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh met with the Japanese parliamentary delegation and discussed the latest regional developments with them.

Talks also covered means to enhance parliamentary cooperation.