Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki met in Tokyo on Thursday with Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida and discussed with him Jordanian-Japanese ties as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.

During the meeting, which was attended by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury, Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi and Minister of Finance Omar Malhas, Al Mulki voiced appreciation of the strategic ties between Jordan and Japan and stressed keenness to further develop them in various fields.

He also reviewed the challenges facing Jordan due the current situation in the region and the repercussions of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordan, stressing the importance of continuing support to Jordan to enable it to continue its services to the refugees.

The prime minister also pointed to the burden shouldered by Jordan as a result of hosting Syrian refugees who are placing an increasing pressure on infrastructure, education and health fields, as well as the closure of borders that reflected negatively on the Kingdom’s exports to neighboring and regional countries.

Al Mulki said that Jordan, thanks to the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian diplomacy, is playing an important and positive role to enhance security and stability and achieve peace in the region.

He also highlighted the importance of Japan’s role and efforts to enhance peace opportunities between the Palestinians and Israelis, adding that Jordan welcomes further cooperation and coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.

The prime minister voiced appreciation of the financial and technical assistance provided by Japan to Jordan and which contribute to the implementation of developmental projects.

The Japanese minister hailed Jordan’s role in addressing regional issues as well as the Kingdom’s efforts to bring about peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

He said Japan was keen to maintain coordination and consultations with Jordan on regional issues.

During the meeting, Al Mulki also discussed with the Japanese foreign minister the situation in Iraq and Syria as well as efforts to fight terrorism.

Source: Fana News