Jordan Times
Monday, December 13, 2004
King's Japan trip to focus on economic ties
TOKYO (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Sunday arrived here on a three-day visit for talks with Japanese officials on
bilateral relations and regional developments.
King Abdullah will meet Emperor Akihito and hold talks with Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura on means to develop
bilateral cooperation in economic and investment fields.
During the visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of establishment of
diplomatic ties between the two countries, the King is expected to meet
prominent Japanese parliamentarians, leaders of political parties, economists
and businesspeople.
King Abdullah is accompanied by Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, Royal Court
Minister Samir Rifai, the King's adviser Akel Biltaji, Foreign Minister Hani
Mulki, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah.
This is King Abdullah's fourth visit to Japan, which supports Arab causes, a
comprehensive Middle East peace based on UN resolutions, the establishment of a
Palestinian state living in peace with Israel and backs international efforts to
combat terrorism.
Japan maintains distinguished relations with Jordan, which receives technical
and financial aid from the country to enhance projects related to water,
education, health, tourism, industrial development and the environment.
Meanwhile, Mulki said the King's talks with US, Japanese and Singaporean leaders
aim to present a clearer picture of the situation in the region and Jordan's
economic needs to fight poverty and unemployment as well as encourage investment
in the Kingdom.
In the US, the King held talks with President George W. Bush and senior
administration officials on bilateral relations and the Palestinian and Iraqi
situations.
King Abdullah called on the US to extend further support for Jordan. He said the
Kingdom has gone a long way in implementing political and socio-economic reforms
and enhance democracy in the country, where justice, equality and equal
opportunity are guaranteed. Jordan, he said, has become a model to follow in the
region.