TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Monday conveyed to Jordan's King Abdullah his appreciation for the country's assistance in evacuating Japanese nationals from the Middle East during heightened regional tensions earlier this year.

During their meeting in Tokyo, Koizumi also agreed with the king that bilateral defense cooperation should be strengthened, expressing respect for Jordan's important role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry.

In June, the Japanese government evacuated a number of its citizens from Israel and Iran -- which were engaged in armed conflict at the time -- to Jordan with local support. Tokyo has been seeking closer coordination with Amman on security and humanitarian operations.