King meets Japan National Diet leaders

His Majesty King Abdullah meets Japan House of Councillors President Otsuji Hidehisa, and highlights the historical relations and strategic partnership between Jordan and Japan (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met in Tokyo with leaders of the Japanese National Diet, House of Representatives Speaker Hosoda Hiroyuki, and House of Councillors President Otsuji Hidehisa.

The two meetings covered means of enhancing the deep-rooted relations and strategic partnership between Jordan and Japan.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of bolstering parliamentary coordination between the two countries, especially in economic and investment-related fields, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty expressed appreciation of Japan’s support for Jordan, which enables moving forward with political, economic, and administrative modernisation tracks, and implementing development projects.

The latest regional and international developments were also discussed, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, with the King calling for de-escalation in the Palestinian Territories.

His Majesty said Jordan’s efforts seek to support the Palestinian position, reach calm, and safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

For his part, House of Representatives Speaker Hosoda commended Jordan’s plans to develop and diversify energy resources, and establish water desalination projects.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation between Jordan and Japan in the field of technology, calling for encouraging Jordanian students to study related disciplines in Japanese universities.

He also called for enhancing cooperation in tourism, to encourage Japanese tourists to visit Jordan.

For his part, House of Councillors President Otsuji highlighted the importance of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, stressing Japan’s keenness to enhance its strategic partnership with Jordan in various fields.

Furthermore, he commended Jordan’s efforts in hosting refugees and providing them with basic services, calling on the international community to support Jordan in dealing with the refugee crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan and Jordan’s Ambassador to Japan Lina Annab attended the meetings.