'Japan aware of regional challenges facing Jordan, ready to offer support'

TOKYO — Both Jordan and Egypt are moderate Muslim countries, and they have a role in spreading the “ideology” of moderate Islam for the people of Japan to know more about the religion to counter Daesh and similar terrorist groups, a Japanese official said recently.

“Both Japan’s government and the people of Japan are ready to support you in that regard,” said Kei Ando, deputy director of the Middle Eastern and African bureau at Tokyo’s foreign ministry.

At a meeting with Jordanian and Egyptian young leaders during a visit organised by Japan Foundation between March 5 and 15, Ando said Jordanian-Japanese ties are distinguished.

“When the Japanese journalist [Kenji Goto] was kidnapped and killed by Daesh, Jordan was very supportive for Japan,” Ando stressed.

“We are aware of the situation that Jordan is going through due to its geographic situation and being surrounded by [unrest-ridden] countries… Still, it is a stable country, and Japan is ready to support the Kingdom to remain stable as much as possible,” the Japanese diplomat noted.

Commenting on the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and Tokyo’s role in reviving talks, Ando said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Japan last month, and his country is considering ways to provide the opportunity to bring both sides, the Palestinians and Israelis, together.

“The peace process has been overshadowed due to other crises affecting the region, including the conflict in Syria and Daesh… [there has been] no news about the peace process recently,” he noted.

“The Japanese government [has been] and will always be supportive for peace building in Palestine,” Ando said, adding that since 1993, “we [have] provided $170 million in assistance to Palestine”.

He noted that the international community seems to be losing interest in the peace process. “Japan provides an opportunity for those who want to resume negotiations… but [there is] no plan for now”.