Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > December, 2004

Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting Monday, December 13, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed the issues concerning Iraq, the Middle East and their bilateral relations. In opening the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Jordan is an important country holding the key to the stability of the Middle East region. I have heard a lot about its achievements in efforts for peace in the Middle East," and he further expressed his gratitude for Jordan's consideration on the occasion of Japanese nationals taken hostage in Iraq. King Abdullah said, "I appreciate the neutral role played by Japan across the Middle East region," and as for the issue of Iraq he commented, "I welcome Japan's decision to continue its commitment to Iraq. The Self-Defense Forces are welcomed by the people of Iraq as the purpose of their dispatch is understood to be solely for the improvement of the people's living. I wish for such presence to carry on." Furthermore, King Abdullah noted on the issue of peace in the Middle East by saying, "I believe that a successful election of the Palestinian Interim Government this coming January 9 is the key. It is important to enhance the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority and to resume direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians under a new leader." With regard to the Japan-Jordan bilateral relations, King Abdullah said, "The Middle East region including Jordan is now entering a critical era of extremely important reform. The economic issue is of great significance to Jordan, and thus we will be grateful if Japan could provide assistance in any form." In response, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "The Government of Japan is planning to decide on an assistance of four billion yen to Jordan on this occasion of your visit to Japan."