Crown Prince holds economic meetings in Tokyo
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Thursday held a number of meetings in Tokyo to discuss opportunities to enhance economic and investment cooperation between Jordan and Japan.
The meetings highlighted the objectives of Jordan's National Council for Future Technology, as well as opportunities to collaborate on promoting economic growth, and honing the digital skills of Jordanians.
During a meeting with Sasaki Mikio, chairman of both the Japan-Jordan Friendship Society and the Middle East Institute of Japan, the Crown Prince emphasised the distinguished relations between the two countries, and commended Japan's efforts in organising the Osaka Expo 2025.
In a meeting with Japan Robot Association President Kubota Tetsuya, His Royal Highness discussed ways to develop policies governing the use of robots, especially in the areas of ethics, safety standards, and community integration.
The Crown Prince said Jordan is home to many talented young people with advanced skills in technical and technological fields, noting the high rate of Jordanian entrepreneurship in the region.
Also discussed during the meeting were opportunities for institutional collaboration between the Japan Robot Association and Jordanian universities in robotics education, research, and applications in high-impact sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and automation.
During a meeting with Omoto Masayuki, president and CEO of Marubeni, one of Japan's largest trading and investment companies, His Royal Highness discussed opportunities for cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and ICT.
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Before Ambassador Chen Chuandong finished his speech in the celebration hall in central Amman, his tears preceded his words, transforming the farewell stage into a humane space pulsating with intimacy. The man spent four and a half years in the Kingdom, during which he led a path of cooperation that took the form of a growing strategic partnership, and the Chinese and Arab civilizations embodied a model of understanding based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. The following article traces the most important milestones of this period, examining the significance of the farewell moment and the prospects it opens for the next decade. اضافة اعلان First: The Farewell Scene... When Emotion Speaks in Diplomatic Tones At the end of the ceremony, the ambassador's voice trembled as he recalled the names of the Jordanian places that had sheltered him, from the alleys of Jabal Luweibdeh to the balconies of Jerash, suspended in the memory of history. 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Since then, and particularly during Ambassador Chen's tenure, three key themes have been crystallized: Economy and Trade: The volume of trade increased from $360 million in 2020 to $537 million in 2024, with an annual growth rate of nearly 21%. These figures may seem modest compared to larger markets, but they reflect a new structure in the trade basket, with fertilizers, solar panels, and textiles emerging as key components. Most importantly, Chinese companies now own the largest stake in the Arab Potash Company, increasing fertilizer production and contributing to Chinese food security, while providing revenues and job opportunities to the Jordanian treasury. Energy and Green Transformation: Chinese institutions have invested in wind farms in the Tafilah region and photovoltaic projects in several areas, helping Jordan double the contribution of renewable energy to its electricity mix. This cooperation aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to reduce emissions and ensure security of supply. Belt and Road Initiative: Signing a Memorandum of Understanding and opening the door to the establishment of logistics corridors linking Aqaba to Chinese Red Sea ports, in addition to projects to digitize ports and railways. This is how the Chinese philosophy is translated: seamless trade intersects with Jordan's ambition to become a regional hub linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Third: Culture and Education... The Bridge That Politics Cannot Destroy The strength of relations between countries is not measured by trade balance indicators alone, but rather by the depth of cultural exchange and human interaction they reflect. The Jerash Festival has become a model for this cultural convergence, hosting Chinese troupes for successive years, presenting performances of traditional music and contemporary dance. The closing evenings of these troupes have become among the most anticipated events in the historic amphitheaters. On the other hand, the "Tea for Harmony" event has transformed from a simple initiative to bring Jordanian and Chinese cultures together in a garden at the University of Jordan, into a well-established annual event that attracts hundreds of families. Visitors learn about Chinese tea-making rituals and their ancient history, while Jordanian participants enjoy maqluba and mansaf dishes, a scene that embodies the true meaning of cultural exchange and the rich diversity between peoples. Language education: Approximately 600 Jordanian students are learning Chinese at Confucius Institutes, while 500 Chinese students are immersed in the beauty of the Arabic language at Jordanian universities. These generations are the true fuel for the sustainability of the relationship. Training programs: Last year alone, 600 Jordanians took short courses in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Suzhou, covering artificial intelligence, urban policy, and heritage management. They return with new ideas and personal friendships. Fourth: Political Harmony and Common Positions At the diplomatic level, observers can almost detect a remarkable harmony between Amman and Beijing on key issues. The Palestinian issue—which tops Jordan's foreign policy agenda—enjoys unwavering Chinese support for a two-state solution. The two countries translated this discourse by sending humanitarian aid to Gaza in late 2023, carried out by a joint airlift. Jordan, for its part, affirms at every forum its commitment to the "One China" principle as a pillar of international stability. Fifth: The Compass of Domestic Development... What Does Jordan Mean to Beijing? Chinese experts describe Jordan as a "laboratory of stability" in a turbulent region. The Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has weathered the storms of the "Arab Spring" without institutional collapse and has gradually modernized its political system. From Beijing's perspective, this promising climate of sustainability is an ideal environment for long-term investments, free from the sovereign risks threatening mega-projects in some neighboring countries. The Chinese side also benefits from Jordan's geopolitical location; the Kingdom is a transit gateway to the markets of Iraq and Syria, and linking the port of Aqaba to the Belt and Road Initiative will provide China with an alternative artery to the Suez Canal in emergencies. Sixth: Challenges and Opportunities in the Next Five Years Diversifying Partnerships: Despite China's momentum, Jordan is keen not to limit its economic options to a single entity. The balance between East and West will remain the motto of the next phase, requiring Beijing to offer more competitive offers while respecting the unique characteristics of the Jordanian market. Deepening Local Manufacturing: The current model focuses on importing Chinese components and assembling them in Jordan. Jordanian decision-makers aspire to transfer deeper technologies, enabling the establishment of real industries that attract Jordanian engineers. Soft diplomacy and deepening success narratives: Jordanian citizens see the Chinese presence as an added value to their daily lives, not just numbers in the news. Here, cultural grant programs and popular media play a pivotal role. Seventh: Chen's Tears... A Farewell Message or a Promise of a Reunion? When the ambassador was asked after his speech about the reason for his tears, he responded with a brief statement: "I loved Jordan more than I expected." 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