Jordan, Saudi Arabia security intertwined — Razzaz

AMMAN — Saudi Arabia’s security is an integral part of Jordan’s security, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Shura Council led by Saleh Khilaiwi.

The premier also affirmed the government's keenness to further joint cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the political, economic and social fields to serve the interest of the two countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting attended by Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah and Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Prince Khalid Bin Faisal, Razzaz stressed that Saudi Arabia's security is an integral part of Jordan's security.

Khilaiwi, who is also head of the Saudi-Jordanian Parliamentary Friendship Committee, praised Jordanian-Saudi ties, expressing his country's keenness to foster joint cooperation, and calling for direct flights between Saudi and Jordanian cities to be established.

More than 1 million Saudis visited the Kingdom last year, Prince Khalid noted, highlighting the importance of upgrading the Halet Amar and Mudawarah roads, which connect the two countries.

Prince Khalid also underscored his country's plans to ease customs and speed up the movement of goods between the two countries.

During the meeting, the two sides also explored exchanging expertise in the fields of housing, engineering, construction, education and IT.

Also on Tuesday, acting Senate president Samir Rifai met with Khilaiwi and members of Saudi parliamentary delegation. Rifai reaffirmed that the security and stability of Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in general, is of Jordanian national interest, according to Petra.

While chairing a Jordanian-Saudi Brotherhood Parliamentary Committee meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Rifai praised Saudi Arabia’s stances supporting the Kingdom under the difficult economic circumstances affecting Amman.

He also called on the Gulf kingdom to increase its investments in Jordan, reviewing the profitable investment opportunities available in several sectors, mainly in the tourist, public transport and ICT fields.

Khilaiwi said that the visit of the delegation is aimed at boosting the joint parliamentary action to address several challenges and issues of joint interest.