His Majesty King Abdullah II arrived in Tokyo on Sunday on a three-day working visit, during which he will meet with Japanese emperor Akihito.



His Majesty will also hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura on bilateral ties and horizons of developing them in the economic and investment fields.



The King's visit to Japan represents an important step within the active move and intensive efforts led by His Majesty to reinvigorate the peace process and put it back on its right track, and support efforts that aim at restoring security and stability in Iraq.



During the visit, which coincides with the two countries' celebrations on the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between them, His Majesty will meet parliamentary and economic leaders as well as Japanese businessmen.



King Abdullah is accompanied by a delegation that includes Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, Hashemite Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, The King's Advisor Akel Beltaji, Foreign Minister Hani Mulki and Planning and International Cooperation Minister Bassem Awadallah.



Japan is known for its supportive stand to Arab causes and it continuously calls for the achievement of just, permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. It also supports the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.



Japan also back international efforts designed to fight terrorism in all its forms.



Jordan and Japan are bound by distinguished ties. Japan contributes to providing technical and financial aid to Jordan that includes improving citizens' basic needs of water, food, education and health in addition to the industrial development which covers the fields of exports industry, tourism infrastructure and environment protection.



The economic aspect also receives special attention by His Majesty. The King is expected to meet during his visit Japanese businessmen to brief them on the investment climate in Jordan as well as development of Jordan's economy with the aim of attracting direct investments into the Kingdom.



The trade balance is in favor of Japan. Jordan's exports to Japan was valued at JD9.5 million in 2003 while its imports from Japan totaled JD141.5 million. The value of Jordan's exports to Japan stood at JD2.6 million until the end of the first third of this year whereas imports from Japan amounted to JD61.2 million.