Amman: Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Asari Hideki said that the Kingdom plays a pivotal role as a "pillar of stability" in the Middle East, underscoring Japan's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Jordan in support of regional peace and stability. Speaking at a press conference in Amman on Tuesday on Japan's foreign policy toward the Middle East, including its relations with Jordan, the ambassador described the Kingdom as a key humanitarian hub supporting populations affected by crises in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hideki stressed that Japan would continue to back Jordan's efforts in recognition of its important regional role. He noted that since 1974, Japan has provided approximately $4.335 billion in official development assistance to Jordan, including loans, grants, and technical cooperation.
He said that the Middle East is facing serious challenges with repercussions beyond the region, highlighting the need for de-escalation and the importance of ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, particularly crude oil. Stability in the region, he added, is essential for global energy security and the growth of the international economy, including Japan's.
The ambassador highlighted Japan's support for the Palestinian cause, particularly humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, as well as assistance to the occupied West Bank. He noted that Japan has provided $410 million in aid to Palestine since October 2023.
He referred to the appointment of a dedicated ambassador for Gaza reconstruction and outlined Japan's diplomatic engagement at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He reaffirmed Japan's support for the two-state solution and its cooperation with international governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement projects in food, water, health, medical care, and human resource development, benefiting Palestinians, including those in Jordan.
Hideki outlined Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) initiative, which seeks to promote peace and prosperity through enhanced regional connectivity, trade, and investment. He emphasized the importance of linking the Indo-Pacific with the Middle East, noting Jordan's position as a regional hub and the opportunities such connectivity could create to advance peace and stability.