Jordan, Cyprus agree to expand cooperation at ‘milestone’ summit

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and regional developments with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in Nicosia, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The two leaders discussed the outcomes of Anastasiades' visit to Jordan in November last year and the outcomes of the Jordanian-Cypriot Business Forum the Kingdom hosted in the same month. 

In statements at the expanded meeting session, His Majesty said that Jordan seeks deeper relations with Cyprus, especially in the fields of trade, investment, energy, technology and tourism.

King Abdullah said that since his meeting with Anastasiades in Jordan, a lot of developments have taken place, commending Cyprus' support to the Kingdom. 

The King said that the fact that Jordan has recently opened an embassy in Nicosia is an indication of the will to move forward in boosting relations. 

His Majesty highlighted the "Aqaba meetings", which brought together several heads of state and senior officials to unify efforts against terrorism. His Majesty noted that during those meetings, Jordanian and Cypriot officials worked hand-in-hand with a clear understanding of the challenges facing future generations.

Jordan now has a strong ally in Cyprus when it comes to facing international threats, the Monarch said. 

Cyprus has supported the Kingdom and helped deliver "Jordan's voice" to the European Union, King Abdullah said, especially regarding its request to simplify the EU rules of origin.

As for the Syrian situation, the King voiced hope that ongoing regional and international efforts to solve the crises would pay off. 

Cyprus also plays a significant role in finding a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, King Abdullah said. 

As for the Cypriot dispute, the King said that Jordan’s stance on the issue is constant and in support of Cyprus. 

His Majesty said Prime Minister Hani Mulki would discuss regional projects with the Cypriot side. 

For his part, President Anastasiades welcomed His Majesty’s visit, describing it as a milestone in the history of bilateral relations. 

He said that the two moderate countries share the same goals of spreading peace and stability in the region, as they both are concerned because of the rise of extremism and terrorism. 

Jordan has always been in the forefront in the war on terrorism and suffered from its consequences, Anastasiades said, adding that nonetheless the Kingdom still hosts around 1.3 million Syrian refugees, shouldering huge social, economic and security burdens. 

The president said that his country will always support Jordan politically and diplomatically, highlighting the importance of winning the war on terrorism, the result of which he said would affect the entire global security system and the future of the 21st century.

Anastasiades also said that Cyprus is always working on bringing the EU and the Middle East countries closer, especially in light of the cultural, economic and political connections. 

Cyprus is determined to reach a comprehensive settlement to its issue based on the decisions of the UN Security Council and the signed agreements, Anastasiades said. 

Expanded talks were attended by Mulki, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Amman Mayor Aqel Biltaji and Jordanian Ambassador to Cyprus Mohammad Al Fayez, in addition to senior Cypriot officials. 

HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent.