Jordan, Russia agree to expand partnerships in various fields

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as developments in the Middle East, a Royal Court statement said.

During the meeting at the Kremlin, the two leaders voiced their mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in most fields to benefit both countries and people.

Moreover, they said they are seeking the expansion of partnerships in the fields of military cooperation, air and railway transportation, as well as religious and medical tourism.

Discussions also covered ways to increase trade exchange and Jordanian exports to Russia, particularly agricultural and pharmaceutical products, which have recently witnessed an increase, according to the statement.

His Majesty and Putin highlighted the importance of the Jordanian-Russian Higher Joint Committee meeting to be held within the next few months to discuss economic projects in the field of energy, especially since Jordan seeks to benefit from Russian expertise in generating electricity through nuclear energy. 

On the regional and international levels, the two leaders discussed recent developments on current issues, especially combating terrorism and extremism as part of a comprehensive approach and with the participation of all stakeholders.

Moreover, they reviewed the developments of the Syrian crisis as well as several other countries in the region, in addition to efforts of reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations.

In remarks to reporters ahead of the talks, the King and Putin commended the level of Jordanian-Russian relations.

"Mr President, thank you very much. Again, I am very impressed today with the air show. It was truly a very memorable occasion to be with you this afternoon," His Majesty said.

"I was especially touched with the programme you have for the youth, especially with technology and science. That was very impressive," he added.

"I’m delighted to be back here in Moscow; and as you well know, we have a very strong and important relationship between our two countries that you have continued to build between our two nations."

Addressing Putin, the King said: "I am looking forward to being able to discuss many of the major challenges in our region that have been plaguing us for several years; and the vital role that you and Russia have been playing for such a long time and continue to play to bring stability to our region.

"Not only trying to bring Israelis and Palestinians closer together to find a peaceful solution to that long and difficult conflict.

"... I have said for many years, as we try to find a solution for Syria, I have believed that the only way we can find a solution for Syria is the vital role that you and your country play to find a political solution for all parties to bring stability to that country that has endured so much."

His Majesty stressed that "your role and the role of your nation is vital for our area; and I am delighted to be back here in Moscow to be able to listen to you and to be able to exchange with you and my colleagues here in Moscow today."

Also speaking to reporters, Putin welcomed King Abdullah.

"Your Majesty, dear friends and colleagues, we are glad to see you on the sidelines of our MAKS Show 2015 and to discuss the challenges of our regions and nations," he said.

“You have been interested in the first exhibition of MAKS ... because you are a military man,” Putin added.

"...We will be also glad to discuss our bilateral relations. I know that our colleagues from the government of both countries cooperate with each other," the Russian leader said.

Putin also held a dinner banquet in honour of His Majesty and the accompanying delegation, which included HRH Prince Feisal, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh; King's Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben; King’s National Security Adviser and General Intelligence Department Director Gen. Faisal Shobaki; King's Office Director Jafar Hassan; and Rapporteur of the National Policies Council Abdullah Wreikat.

From the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and a number of senior officials and officers attended the banquet.