Strengthening Bonds: Japanese Foreign Minister and Delegation visit UNRWA services in Amman New Camp

A delegation from Japan, led by H.E. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister for Foreign Affairs accompanied by H.E Kensuke Nagaoka, Assistant Minister, Director General of Middle Eastern and African Bureau, and H.E. Jiro Okuyama, Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, was welcomed by Leni Stenseth, UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General, Olaf Becker, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan, and H.E. Eng. Rafiq Khirfan, Director-General of Jordan's Department of Palestinian Affairs in Amman New Camp, Jordan. 

Dr. Akihiro Seita, UNRWA Director of Health highlighted the 70-year-old solid partnership of Japan and UNRWA, whereby Japan has supported the Agency’s health, education, and relief and social services. Dr. Oroba Al Mousa, UNRWA Chief of Education Programme, Jordan, provided an overview of the education programme serving Palestine Refugee children. She emphasized the programme’s successes and the academic challenges faced, including the learning loss that students suffered due to the COVID-19 crisis during the delegation’s visit to the UNRWA school.  

The delegation subsequently visited the UNRWA Health Centre, to see first-hand the Agency’s health programme, health-care services, and notable achievements such as e-health and the roll-out of the mobile application of Mother & Child Health Book (MCH) and Non-Communicable Disease. 

During his visit to the school, the Minister Hayashi engaged in pleasant conversations with the students, emphasizing the importance of investing in education. Additionally, he expressed his delight at witnessing the Agency’s initiatives in digital healthcare, a domain the Government of Japan has made substantial contributions.

“How opportune it is for UNRWA to welcome the Foreign Minister and his delegation into our school and health centre, on the year that we celebrate our invaluable partnership with Japan. Japan’s contribution is helping our students recover from learning losses and allowing us to recruit school counsellors to address mental-health challenges. It also supports the Agency’s ability to provide health services. We sincerely thank you for your solidarity and commitment,” said UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Leni Stenseth. 

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Notes to Editors  

• 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's support to Palestine Refugees. For 70 years, Japan's unwavering support has been instrumental in sustaining necessary services for Palestine Refugees in Jordan and the region. Japan remains a significant donor, contributing US$ 41 million in 2023, including US$ 5 million for Jordan. 
• Japan has offered over US$ 2 billion to the Palestinian people since 1993.