FM, Japanese counterpart hold 2nd round of strategic dialogue

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on Thursday held the second round of the strategic dialogue between the two ministries. 

The strategic dialogue was launched in 2018 as an organised institutional action mechanism for coordination over ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international developments, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The two ministers stressed the “distinguished” ties between the countries and Royal families. Bilateral ties have witnessed “remarkable” developments over the past few years in various fields, the statement said.

Safadi and Motegi, who arrived in Amman as part of a regional tour, discussed the necessary steps to reach higher levels of economic cooperation, commercial exchange, investment, educational and tourist cooperation, and enhance defence and security cooperation as part of the Aqaba Meetings.

They also stressed that keenness on sustaining strategic dialogue reflects “the importance placed by Jordan and Japan to their historic and strategic relations and the joint will to develop them in all fields”.

The two ministers also went over the economic cooperation programme, investment opportunities in the water and energy fields, the Japanese support for the development process in the Kingdom and Amman’s request for a Japanese soft loan of $300 million. 

Safadi reiterated that Japan is a strategic partner for Jordan, praising the Japanese support for the national economic and development process and in facing the COVID-19 pandemic, regional crises and the refugee crisis.

For his part, Motegi stressed the “deep-rooted” bilateral relations, emphasising that the Kingdom is a strategic partner for Tokyo in the region and that his country is keen on developing the strategic partnership with Jordan and increasing consultation and coordination over regional issues and means to overcome them. 

The two ministers also went over regional developments, mainly the Palestinian cause and efforts to reach a real political ground that allows resuming serious and effective negotiations to realise a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and international law.   

They also agreed on the importance of containing  the spread of nuclear weapons, respecting relevant international covenants and sustaining cooperation and coordination in international events. 

Safadi commended the Japanese position in support of the two-state solution, stressing the importance of Japan’s role in supporting international efforts to realise a comprehensive and just peace. He also expressed appreciation of the continuous Japanese support to UNRWA.

The minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining de-escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories and stopping all Israeli measures that undermine the two-state solution.

He also reiterated the significance of halting all Israeli colonial activities, including the confiscation of lands, destruction of homes and the forcible migration of Palestinians. He also reiterated the importance of respecting the legal and historical status quo of Jerusalem and respecting the rights of residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood to their homes. 

Safadi also called for creating political and economic grounds for the Palestinian people and moving forward to build confidence, referring to the significance of the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity" initiative that Japan launched in 2006 to contribute to international efforts to realise peace and prosperity in the Middle East. 

The Japanese minister stressed that his country commends the Jordanian role and efforts in realising a just and comprehensive peace and instilling security and stability in the region, voicing Tokyo’s appreciation of and support for the Hashemite Custodianship over holy sites in Jerusalem.  

He also praised the Kingdom’s role towards refugees despite the resulting challenges.

Safadi and Motegi highlighted the importance of supporting the Iraqi government’s efforts to maintain security and stability and capitalise on the country’s victory against terrorism. 

The two ministers also reviewed developments aimed to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, where Safadi called for intensifying efforts to end the crisis through a political solution that maintains the unity of Syria, restores security and stability and provides a conducive environment for the voluntary return of refugees. 

They also highlighted the need to maintain security and stability in Afghanistan, respecting the rights of its citizens and guaranteeing the safe evacuation of foreign nationals willing to leave the country. 

The top diplomats agreed to hold the third round of the strategic dialogue in Japan next year, commending the “advanced level” of coordination and cooperation between the countries. 

The first round of the strategic dialogue was held in Amman in December 2018 under the presidency of the two countries’ foreign ministers.