Amman, June 25 (Petra)-- Saleh Al-Khawaldah - Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Hideki Asari affirmed that peace and stability in the Middle East are of critical importance to Japan, given the close links between regional security, global supply chains, energy security, and freedom of navigation, describing Jordan as an "anchor of stability" in the region.
Speaking at a lecture titled "Japanese Diplomacy: Challenges, Opportunities and Responses," organized by the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan and attended by researchers, academics, and political and economic experts, the ambassador stressed the importance of ensuring free and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed hope that stability would be restored through the continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding by all concerned parties.
The ambassador highlighted the significance of the Middle East in Japan’s foreign policy, outlining the challenges facing the region, Japan’s diplomatic responses, and the strategic partnership between Japan and Jordan.
On the Palestinian issue, the ambassador reiterated Japan’s support for efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, promoting good governance, and supporting Palestinian state-building. He emphasized the need to halt unilateral measures in the West Bank, strengthen support for the Palestinian Authority, and advance efforts toward a two-state solution.
He noted that Japan has provided approximately $2.6 billion in assistance to Palestine since 1993, including $410 million since October 2023.
The ambassador also highlighted Japan’s long-term development initiatives, including the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity, the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, and the Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).
Describing Jordan as an "anchor of stability" in the Middle East, he praised the Kingdom’s resilience and active diplomacy under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II.
He also commended Jordan’s role in hosting refugees, facilitating the evacuation of foreign nationals from neighboring countries, and serving as a regional hub for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and other crisis-affected areas.
The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s resilience and its regional role.
Since 1974, Japan has provided nearly $4.335 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Jordan, he said. In addition, Japan allocated $12.5 million in humanitarian assistance during fiscal year 2025 through six United Nations agencies, including UNRWA.
The Japanese envoy also addressed broader global challenges, including mounting pressures on the rules-based international order, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation, economic security, and rapid advances in science and technology.
He underscored Japan’s efforts to uphold the rule of law, strengthen cooperation with the United States and like-minded partners, and support global governance.
The ambassador further outlined Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative, highlighting its role in promoting regional connectivity, economic growth, and international cooperation.
He noted that the initiative holds significant relevance for the Middle East, adding that Japan views Jordan not only as a pillar of regional stability but also as a potential bridge linking the Indo-Pacific region with the Middle East and Europe.
Participants concluded that the rapidly evolving regional and international environment underscores the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership between Jordan and Japan and expanding cooperation in regional stability, development, human security, and economic connectivity.
//Petra// MF
