(VOVworld) – Japan and Jordan agreed on Thursday to cooperate in confronting the threat posed by Islamic State (IS) extremists and to improve bilateral ties in peace-keeping missions and other fields. The commitment was made in a joint statement announced by both countries during the ongoing visit of Jordanian King Abdullah II to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hailed Jordan’s humanitarian programs for refugees fleeing the fighting in Syria. He announced a plan to provide 20.3 million USD in official development assistance to Jordan and reiterated his government’s support for Jordan in addressing current challenges. Both leaders called for peace and stability in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Palestine.