Amman - Jordan's King Abdullah II left for Japan on Sunday for a working visit that was due to last for several days, the royal court announced. The monarch would meet with Japanese Emperor Akihito and have talks with Prime Minister Taro Aso on the latest developments in the Middle East and efforts to re-launch peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

The discussions were also expected to focus on means of boosting bilateral economic and trade ties. Abdullah was also scheduled to meet in Tokyo with prominent politicians, parliamentarians and private sector leaders.

He was accompanied by relatives, the chief of the royal court Nasser Lawzi, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Suhair al-Ali. (dpa)