The Director of the International Press Division of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natsuko Sakata, said on Friday December 14, 2018, that Japan is considering a loan Jordan $300 million.

Sakata stated the importance of the vital and pivotal role that Jordan plays to achieve peace and stability in the region, noting that the Jordan’s role is respected and appreciated by the international community.

The Japanese official highlighted during a meeting with a number of journalists in Amman on Friday, the importance of King Abdullah's recent visit to Japan, the bilateral talks held between the two sides and the existing strategic partnership, pointing out that the Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono's visit to Jordan on Friday comes to follow-up on His Majesty's visit to Japan, the outcome of his talks and mechanisms of implementation.

She also stressed on the importance of the Jordanian-Japanese strategic dialogue, which was launched yesterday and its role in strengthening bilateral cooperation, implementing joint projects and coordinating positions and efforts on various international issues, pointing out that the second round of this dialogue will be held in Japan next year.

"The Petra Museum, which is being implemented through a $7-million Japanese grant, will be opened next year, she added.

"We are coordinating with Jordan to support its efforts to ensure that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) continues to provide services to the refugees," the official said.

She said that Japan contributed $ 45 million to UNRWA this year, in addition to co-sponsoring a conference on supporting (UNRWA), pointing out the importance of providing financial allocations to UNRWA to enable it to continue its services, in addition to the importance of continuously supporting the peace efforts to achieve a two-state solution.

The Japanese official reviewed the Japan-sponsored peace and prosperity initiative that aims to achieve peace and economic empowerment, especially for Palestinians and the projects carried out in this regard.

She also pointed out the importance of the Aqaba meetings to combat terrorism, extremism and the dark ideologies that threaten all.