PRESS RELEASE
27 May 2009

Japanese Ambassador visits Amman Training Center and UNRWA installations in Baqa’a camp

Amman, 27 May 2009

Amman- His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador to Jordan, Mr. Tetsuo Shioguchi, today visited UNRWA’s Amman Training Center, including the nursing section which was funded by a Japanese contribution of about $250,000. Since the course was introduced in 2004, 76 associate nurses have graduated from it.

In recognition of the Japanese contribution, a ceremony was held at the center with the nursing graduates and their instructors. Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to supporting the Agency and its work for Palestine refugees.

Accompanied by the Director of UNRWA Operations in Jordan, Mr. Richard Cook, the Ambassador also visited an UNRWA rented school building in Nazal neighborhood in Amman and Agency installations in Baqa’a camp.

The tour of Baqa’a included visits to the Japanese-funded school, the Women Programme Center, a refugee shelter, and the Health Center.

Mr. Cook expressed UNRWA’s deepest appreciation for Japan’s continued support for Palestine refugees. “Japan has been a long-time partner of UNRWA, supporting all the Agency’s funds and efforts in all its five fields of operation” said Mr. Cook.

Japan is one of the largest donors to UNRWA’s regular programmes, emergency operations and special projects benefiting more than 4.6 million Palestine refugees registered with the Agency in the region. Its contributions in 2008 amounted to about $14.25 million.

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Matar Saqer

Public Information Officer

UNRWA Jordan Field Office