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JAPAN celebrates its National Day 'Emperor's Birthday', emphasizing enduring friendship with Jordan - Jordan News

JAPAN celebrates its National Day 'Emperor's Birthday', emphasizing enduring friendship with Jordan - Jordan News

Jordan News27-02-2025
26 February 2025
The Embassy of Japan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosted its National Day reception, on Thursday, commemorating the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor (23 February). اضافة اعلان
The event marked another significant milestone of the steadfast friendship between Japan and Jordan over seven decades history. His Majesty King Abdullah II visited Japan many times and reciprocal engagements by Japan's Imperial family have solidified bilateral ties over decades.
Japan's Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H.E. Mr. ASARI Hideki, highlighted political and economic cooperation as a cornerstone of the relationship, acknowledging the Jordan's importance for the regional stability in his remarks. With its active support for the ceasefire in Gaza, Japan has increased humanitarian assistance to Palestine—bringing total assistance to $230 million since October 2023—and continues backing UNRWA. Additionally, Japan's economic partnership is underscored by more than $4.3 billion in economic assistance to Jordan to date, which includes many projects such as the recently agreed project on water resource management.
The Ambassador also highlighted robust people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, as illustrated by the exquisite Ikebana flower arrangement at the National Day reception. The reception also featured a vibrant exhibition area with booths from Japanese private companies, including vehicle displays of vehicles from Toyota and Mazda, a Japanese food section, along with the Embassy's booth highlighting cultural attractions in Japan and JICA presenting its projects and programs in Jordan. Meanwhile, Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai is expected to further enhance bilateral ties and foster dynamic cultural and economic exchanges in 2025. It will start on 13 April until October 2025 in Osaka. Jordan will have a Pavilion with the theme of 'Weaving Possibilities' .
The enduring relationship between Japan and Jordan stands with mutual respect, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to regional stability.
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