His Majesty King Abdullah’s talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday focused on opportunities to advance political and economic cooperation, and bolster the strategic partnership between Japan and Jordan.

King Abdullah and Prime Minister Abe affirmed their commitment to developing bilateral ties and maintaining coordination and consultation over issues of mutual concern, in service of the two peoples.

Abe said, “Japan will continue to firmly support Jordan” through its public and private sectors.

“Jordan is an indispensable and critically important strategic partner,” the prime minister added, in remarks to the press after the talks.

“I am determined to work hand in hand with His Majesty King Abdullah II to vigorously develop the relationship between Japan and Jordan in all possible areas, and to contribute together to the peace and prosperity of the region and the world,” Prime Minister Abe said.

Following the talks, His Majesty and Prime Minister Abe witnessed the signing of an agreement for a $300 million development policy loan presented by the Japanese government over three years to support Jordan’s budget.

The King and Abe also witnessed the signing of a bilateral investment treaty to promote and protect investments.

In the statements to the press after the talks, His Majesty thanked Prime Minister Abe for the warm welcome and stressed the strong, strategic, and deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Japan.

“During this visit, I have had the honour to meet again with Their Imperial Majesties and with His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. And this was an opportunity to strengthen the traditional relationship between the two royal houses,” the King said.

“I would also like to congratulate Japan and Osaka on winning the rights to host the 2025 World Expo, a truly well-deserved achievement,” His Majesty added.

The King thanked Japan for providing support to mitigate the impact of the refugee crisis on Jordan and for working to support UNRWA.

“Japan has continuously demonstrated that it is a very strong and reliable partner,” His Majesty said, adding: “This is a relationship and a partnership that Jordan is truly proud of.”

“We would also like to thank you for the strong strategic partnership that extends to countering terrorism and extremism,” the King added, expressing appreciation for Japan’s efforts in the diplomatic, economic and development domains to help Jordan deal with the various challenges.

His Majesty said talks with Abe covered “many regional challenges, including Syria, the peace process, and the stability that is needed in our region.”

The King added that “the challenges between Israel and Palestine” were also discussed, affirming the need for a two-state solution leading to an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

“This challenge, if left unresolved, is a conflict that will remain a rallying cry for extremists and will continue to hold back regional progress and prosperity,” His Majesty warned.

For his part, Prime Minister Abe stressed Jordan’s key stabilising role in the region.

“Jordan is the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East. I would like to express my deepest respect for the leadership of His Majesty,” he said.

“We highly appreciate the efforts of Jordan as they generously receive a large number of Syrian refugees and do their utmost to deal with the Middle East peace process,” the Japanese prime minister added, commending Jordan’s efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.

Commenting on the loan agreement, Prime Minister Abe said: “We believe that this loan shall contribute to the fiscal reform and autonomous economic development of Jordan.”

He noted the signing of the investment agreement as well, voicing hope “that economic exchanges between Japan and Jordan will be further promoted”.

“I am deeply grateful to His Majesty for his discussions on various recent developments in the Middle East, full of his sharp insight and profound thoughts,” the prime minister said.

“We will continue to expand and strengthen our dialogues and cooperation in extensive areas, including politics, security, defence, counter-extremism, amongst others,” Abe added.

At the talks, His Majesty and Prime Minister Abe reiterated the importance of building on joint agreements, increasing Japanese investments in Jordan, and advancing cooperation in the industrial, military, and vocational training fields, as well as exchanging expertise in vital sectors.

The King noted the importance of the fourth policy dialogue meeting between Jordan and Japan, which will be held in Amman early next year, to expand cooperation in a number of sectors.

His Majesty also emphasised the importance of Japan’s participation in the upcoming investment conference set to be hosted in London next year to support Jordan’s economy.

The King said Jordan will focus at the conference on plans and programmes geared towards economic growth and generating job opportunities.

The talks, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Omar bin Al Feisal and senior officials on both sides, also covered developments in the Middle East, as well as Jordanian-Japanese cooperation in countering terrorism.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for Japan’s active participation in the Aqaba Meetings, which are aimed at bolstering security and military coordination and cooperation, as well as the exchange of expertise and information among the various regional and international partners in the fight against terrorism within a holistic approach.

Earlier on Tuesday, an official welcoming ceremony was held for the King at the Japanese prime ministry.

Prime Minister Abe and Mrs Akie Abe later hosted an official dinner in honour of Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and the accompanying delegation.

Her Majesty had earlier met with Mrs Abe and discussed a number of issues related to education and the rights of children.