His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday visited Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Royal Palace. The Emperor welcomed King Abdullah, saying that the relations between the royal families are historical and expressed hope they would prosper in the future. King Abdullah said the relationship is distinguished relations and expressed Jordan's appreciation for Japanese aid in various fields, especially in technology transfer.



Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal Ben Al Hussein and Princess Rayah Bent al Hussein accompanied King Abdullah on the visit.



Also on Thursday, King Abdullah met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The two discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East. The two sides affirmed the importance of helping Palestinians cope with Israel's withdrawal from Gaza by enabling the Palestinian National Authority to achieve security and improve the economic circumstances of the Palestinians.



King Abdullah said Japan's support for the peace process and for the implementation of the roadmap was crucial, adding that the Gaza withdrawal should be followed by additional Israeli withdrawals from the West Bank in implementation of the roadmap. The two leaders also reiterated their support for the participation of all Iraqis in elections on Dec. 15, saying that broad participation is necessary to realize a unified and stable Iraq. He also thanked the Japanese government for its provision of financial and technical aid to Jordan.



Koizumi condemned the terrorist attacks on Amman hotels on Nov. 9 and affirmed Japan's solidarity with Jordan in fighting terrorism. The King said that Islam disavowed terrorists who claim to act in its name. Islam, he said, is a religion of tolerance, peace and respect for life. The meeting was also attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal Ben Al Hussein, Princess Rayah Bent Al Hussein and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ziad Fariz, Minister of Planning Suhair Al Ali and Jordan's Ambassador to Japan Samir Na'ouri.



Later on, the King met the heads of Japanese governmental organizations interested in enhancing Japan's external economic relations and informed them of the fields of possible investment for Japan, such as discovering and developing alternative energy sources. During a meeting with the heads of the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA), the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, King Abdullah expressed Jordan's appreciation for Japan's financial and technical assistance in various fields. The King urged Japanese companies to invest in Jordan and benefit from its geographical position as a regional gateway to reach regional markets. Members of King Abdullah's accompanying delegation also attended the meeting.