The two leaders agreed to continue working together to ensure long-term stability and peace in the Middle East region DUBAI: Jordan’s King Abdullah II paid his respects to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a summit meeting with current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, King Abdullah II, who attended the state funeral, said that Abe was a great friend of not only Jordan but also the region and shared the hope to develop the bilateral relationship based on his legacy. Kishida expressed his hope to hold discussions to further develop the diplomatic legacy inherited from the late Abe. The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation including the Middle East Peace. Kishida expressed his concern about the impact of the price hike of food and fuel on Jordan, which is hosting a large number of Palestinian refugees, and stated that Japan would continue its support for Jordan, including its support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA.) Kishida also congratulated King Abdullah II on Crown Prince Hussein’s engagement and expressed his wish for the long-lasting prosperity of the Jordanian Royal Family and further development of friendly relations with Japan’s Imperial Family. The two leaders agreed to continue working together to ensure long-term stability and peace in the Middle East region. • This article was originally published on Arab News Japan.