Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > December, 2005

Prime Minister Meets with the King of Jordan Thursday, December 8, 2005 JAPANESE 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, discussions took place on such matters as the fight against terrorism and policies relating to Iraq. At the outset, King Abdullah expressed his congratulations to Prime Minister Koizumi on his victory in the recent election, and said, "I hope that Japan will play a role in Iraq and Middle East affairs." Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his condolences once again to the victims in the recent terrorist incident in Amman, Jordan. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi said in regards to the reconstruction of Iraq that, "Jordan's cooperation is vital. I would like to cooperate with Your Majesty." In response, King Abdullah praised the assistance that Japan is carrying out in Iraq, saying that, "It would be an honor if in any way Jordan could extend its cooperation. In regards to the election, it is essential that the election be conducted in a manner whereby there is a balanced representation of Shiite, Sunni and Kurd parties. It is crucial that a large number of moderates from each party participate in the election. That in turn will lead to a moderate assembly and moderate government. If this is achieved, Iraq's future prospects for reconstruction will broaden." Lastly, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude to King Abdullah for Jordan's support of Japan's proposal on United Nations (UN) reform. King Abdullah said, "I am in support of Japan taking on a stronger presence in the international community."