Jordan, Palestine discuss cooperation in trade, energy fields

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Wednesday discussed with his Palestinian counterpart, Rami Hamdallah, bilateral relations and developments in the Palestinian arena, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The visiting official conveyed the greetings of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to His Majesty King Abdullah and the premier, voicing appreciation of His Majesty and the Jordanian government's efforts to support the Palestinians and their cause. 

The Palestinian premier commended the improvements made on the Jordanian side of the King Hussein Bridge, including a new hall prepared for passengers and new measures to facilitate the customs processing of Palestinian goods and exports. 

The US embassy announced Wednesday that it has donated to Jordan screening devices that would ease and expedite the clearance process on the bridge, the sole entrance to the Palestinian lands.

Hamdallah also outlined developments in Palestine, especially in regard to national reconciliation efforts and the hostile policies of the Israeli occupation authorities, noting that there is international consensus on the adverse effect of such policies on the stalled Palestinian-Israeli peace process. 

The premier reiterated Jordan's continuous support to enhance the Palestinians' resilience and help overcome obstacles, noting that His Majesty would always defend the Palestinian cause at all regional and international platforms. 

On the sidelines of the meeting, the two officials discussed the agreement to supply Jericho with electricity in terms of reconsidering the tariffs, with the amendments to be announced in the coming two weeks, Petra said. 

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury, Energy Minister Ibrahim Saif, Social Development Minister Reem Abu Hassan and Finance Minister Omar Malhas.