His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday reiterated that a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is central to reducing tensions in the region.

Addressing hundreds of intellectuals and opinion leaders at the Japan Institute of International Affairs, the King described the conflict as “the grievance that extremists and regional power-seekers play upon to expand their influence and perpetuate conflict.”

He said the continued failure to find a solution to the issue threatens to aggravate other “crises in our region,” adding that Japan has a strong role to play.

“Your sense of responsibility and your wisdom have given you a significant role in prosperity and progress in the Middle East… we have entered an era in which Japanese leadership is not only welcome — it is vital,” he said.

Jordan and Japan also share concerns over the raging conflict in Iraq, said the King, while calling for renewed international political and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the war-ravaged country.

“We need to focus on the elements of a sustained peace: Supporting Iraq's unity, promoting reconciliation and restoring confidence in the political process.

“All Iraqis need clear affirmation that the new Iraq will respect their rights and security. The three major social groups must all be engaged, including the Sunni community,” the King stressed.

He also called for supporting the Lebanese people as they struggle to retain their unity and sovereignty.

At the bilateral level, he thanked Japan for helping Jordan reach its development objectives.

“Your commitment to Jordan's development has led to improvements in a variety of essential areas: Infrastructure, export capabilities, healthcare and education.

“Japan has played an important role in vocational training — a cornerstone of modern workforce capabilities. And other assistance has come in the form of debt rescheduling, grants, and support for the national budget,” said the King.

Earlier Friday, King Abdullah met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss ways to activate Japan's role in the Middle East peace process.

In particular, they discussed Japan's initiative — the “Peace and Prosperity Corridor” — which envisions the establishment of an economic zone in the Jordan Valley to enhance Jordanian-Palestinian-Israeli cooperation.

In the speech at the Institute, the King said: “The time to engage Japan's proposal is now. Ways to advance this initiative were part of our discussions when we met Prime Minister Abe and other Japanese officials earlier today. And we will be full partners.”

King Abdullah, who was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania on the three-day visit to Tokyo, returned home on Friday.

The Jordan Times