Jordan, Russia set to take bilateral ties to new level

AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday voiced Jordan’s appreciation for the role Russia plays to solve the Mideast conflict.

He also commended Russia’s help to countries to address challenges facing the region, noting that Russia is playing a “positive” role in supporting peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.

At a joint press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev before the meeting Thursday, King Abdullah underlined the importance Russia attaches to reforms in the region, noting that Jordan and Russia have a great opportunity to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.

The King, who returned home later Thursday, commended the Russian president’s efforts to strengthen the “distinguished” relationship between the two countries.

“We believe more than ever in the importance of Russia, which enjoys high credibility in our region, to return the Palestinians and Israelis to the negotiating table and resolve the main issue in the Middle East, which is bringing about peace between the Palestinians and Israelis on one hand, and between the Arabs and Israelis on the other,” King Abdullah said.

Earlier in the day, the Monarch and Medvedev discussed bilateral ties and prospects for further cooperation, particularly at the economic, investment and military levels, in addition to the latest developments in the region and efforts to arrive at the two-state solution.

For his part, the Russian president hailed the level of ties between Amman and Moscow, which he said have witnessed remarkable developments in the past years.

Medvedev underlined his country’s keenness to see the UN resolutions pertaining to the situation in the Middle East fully implemented, especially after the dramatic changes in several Arab countries.

During the discussions, which continued over a lunch banquet held in honour of the King and the accompanying delegation, the two sides agreed to work for further mutual investments and cooperation between the private sectors in the two countries.

Discussions also covered ways for Jordan to benefit from Russia’s military expertise in developing programmes and plans for the Jordan Armed Forces.

Medvedev commended the Monarch’s efforts to support peace, reiterating Russia’s commitment to back the peace process and achieve a just and comprehensive peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.

Also yesterday, King Abdullah met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and discussed means to boost cooperation between the two countries.

During a press conference before the meeting, His Majesty said both countries can work to improve ties, especially in the areas of energy, railway transport and mega-infrastructure through partnerships between the Jordanian and Russian private sectors.

King Abdullah noted that the Kingdom pays special attention to developing the tourism sector, especially religious tourism, which he said attracts more and more visitors from Russia.

Putin noted that more than 600 Jordanian students are currently receiving education in Russia, stressing his country’s keenness to improve military cooperation with Jordan.

In January, Medvedev visited Jordan upon an invitation from His Majesty.

The King and Medvedev then discussed steps to boost cooperation in the field of nuclear energy through Russia’s investment in Jordan’s nuclear programme, as well as in the transport, water and agriculture sectors.

Jordan and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation in the fields of oil exploration and energy during the visit.

In addition, the two countries renewed support for peace efforts in the Middle East that lead to an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

jordantimes