AMMAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The third Japan-Arab Forum, which is attended by participants from 9 countries, kicked off in Amman on Monday.

    The two-day Forum, organized by the Arab Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the Jordanian Lower House of Parliament, will discuss a variety of political and environmental issues, including Japan's foreign policies on the Middle East and the Palestinian issue, the situation in Iraq, economic and tourism cooperation between Japan and Arab countries.

    Jordan's acting Lower House Speaker, Nayef Al Fayez said at the opening ceremony that the Middle East was facing many critical issues and Japan could play an important and constructive role in achieving permanent, just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

    Arab countries seek to have excellent relations with Japan, he added, noting that Jordan was keen to establish distinguished ties with Japan in all fields.

    Member of the Japanese parliament, Kono Taru said Japan was ready to take part in the peace process to contribute to solving the Palestinian issue and to build bridges of understanding with the region and ensure its stability.

    This is the third gathering of this Forum following the first meeting held in Tokyo in September, 2003 and the second meeting held in Alexandria, Egypt, in March, 2004.