Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Jordan's King Abdullah have agreed to work together through diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Abe is visiting New York to attend the UN General Assembly.

In a meeting with King Abdullah, Abe said Japan will continue to support Jordan financially and help it cope with Syrian refugees.

Abe also said Japan will work with Middle Eastern countries to bring peace to the region through an economic project called the "Corridor for Peace and Prosperity."

Japan initiated the project with Palestine, Israel and Jordan taking part.

The Prime Minister and the King also discussed the situation in Israel where elections were held recently, as well as heightened tensions between the US and Iran following attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

NHK