Gala Reception in Tokyo Marks 80 Years of Jordanian Independence
Jordanian Ambassador Nasser Shraideh hosted a gala reception in Tokyo on Tuesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Jordan's independence. The event drew hundreds of guests, including representatives from the Japanese government, its parliament, academia, the business sector, the diplomatic corps, and various friends of Jordan.
In his welcoming address, Ambassador Shraideh reflected upon the nation's eight decades of resilience, sacrifice, and national pride. He emphasized that Jordan's trajectory has been guided by Hashemite leadership committed to moderation and peace. The Ambassador noted that Jordan serves as a bastion of stability within a volatile region.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Between Jordan and Japan
Regarding bilateral relations with Japan, the Ambassador highlighted the profound connection between the two nations, observing that while Japan and Jordan are geographically distant, they remain close in spirit. He characterized both peoples as those who honor their heritage without being constrained by it, and who possess the capacity to transform scarcity into innovation. The ambassador noted that bilateral cooperation across various sectors has successfully translated vision into infrastructure and intention into opportunity.
Looking toward the future, he remarked that progress is achieved through the construction of bridges rather than walls and expressed his conviction that the friendship with Japan will remain an integral component of that narrative.
Commitment to Modernization Under King Abdullah
The Ambassador reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to economic, administrative, and political modernization under the leadership of King Abdullah. He also commended the national football team, the "Nashama," for their historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup. Regarding the country's trajectory, Ambassador Shraideh emphasized that the forthcoming 80 years will necessitate innovation, sustainability, and creativity. Under the guidance of King Abdullah, he said Jordan remains dedicated to pursuing comprehensive modernization to address the challenges of climate change, technological advancement, and shifting geopolitics.
The Ambassador also focused on hospitality and shared values, drawing a parallel between the Jordanian concept of kramash and Japanese omotenashi to underscore cultural similarities and mutual respect.
Japan Commends Jordan's Role in Regional Stability
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI Yohei commended Jordan's pivotal role in the Middle East, describing the Kingdom as a cornerstone of regional stability and a vital conduit for dialogue amidst ongoing tensions. This diplomatic appreciation reflects the deepening ties established since the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2018. The bilateral bond has been further strengthened by high-level diplomatic exchanges, including the 13th visit to Japan by King Abdullah last year.
Beyond diplomacy, Onishi noted both nations have expanded cooperation into security, with ongoing unit-to-unit exchanges between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Jordanian Armed Forces. Japan also reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to supporting Jordan, particularly in its humanitarian efforts to host refugees and through various reconstruction assistance programs. The success of the Jordan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which featured immersive desert sand exhibitions, was highlighted as a key moment of cultural exchange.
Cultural Showcase and Traditional Cuisine
The evening featured traditional Jordanian music and folkloric dance, with performers attired in national costumes, complemented by a selection of Arabic and Jordanian cuisine. Attendees were also invited to view exhibits showcasing Jordan's historic landmarks and archaeological sites, accompanied by informational materials detailing the nation's tourism offerings.
