His Majesty King Abdullah and Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday discussed latest regional developments and ways to boost bilateral relations.

King Abdullah stressed the need to enhance Jordanian-Japanese joint action and cooperation, especially in the fields of energy and industry.

With regard to the Middle East peace process, His Majesty expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for Japan’s efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the two-state solution.

His Majesty underlined the importance of efforts led by US Secretary of State John Kerry to push the peace process forward, highlighting the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative, launched by Japan in 2008 to boost joint regional cooperation.

His Majesty called for a unified international position to deal with Israel’s continued settlement policy.

He urged the international community to put a stop to Israel’s unilateral measures and frequent violations of Islamic and Christian sites in the holy city of Jerusalem, noting that they undermine the chances to achieve peace in the Middle East region.

Regarding the crisis in Syria, the King stressed the need for a comprehensive political solution and a transitional government to end the cycle of violence and safeguard the unity of Syria and its people.

His Majesty highlighted the increasing burdens borne by Jordan as it hosts more than half-a-million Syrian refugees.

Kishida, who is on a regional visit, expressed his country’s appreciation for the role that the King has been playing to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

The top Japanese diplomat stressed his country’s commitment to continued coordination and consultation with the Kingdom on various regional issues, in a manner that deepens relations between the two countries.

Japan’s foreign minister commended the Kingdom’s “great” efforts in extending humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees, stressing his country’s support for Jordan in this domain.