King commends deeply rooted Jordanian-Armenian ties

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan who arrived on an official visit to the Kingdom earlier in the day, the first by an Armenian president. 

During a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by a broader meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King welcomed Sargsyan, noting that the visit will help develop the relations between the two countries and expand their cooperation, according to a Royal Court statement.

Jordan is proud of its distinguished friendly relations with Armenia, His Majesty told Sargsyan, underlining the historic relations between the two countries since the reign of His Majesty King Hussein, since Jordan is home to a large Armenian community.

King Abdullah highlighted joint economic agreements signed between the two sides to strengthen ties, increase bilateral trade and promote joint tourism activity. 

He said the two countries look forward to the opening of Saint Garabed Church at the Baptism Site on Friday, which will help activate the "historical ties" between Jordan and Armenia. 

Sargsyan expressed his appreciation of the invitation, extended to him by King Abdullah, to visit Jordan and highlighted the importance of the talks held during the visit.

Armenians, he said, are proud of the Arabs who have become their "close friends". 

The president voiced his appreciation for Sharif Hussein Bin Ali, the leader of the Great Arab Revolt, and his sons for their support of Armenian refugees in the region, especially in 1917, and for taking care of Armenian women and children and safeguarding their belongings.    

He also paid tribute to the efforts of the late King Hussein, who dispatched aid to Armenia after the earthquake that hit the country in the last century.  

During the talks, which addressed regional and international issues, the King highlighted Jordan’s efforts, alongside several regional and international partners, in combating the dangers of terrorism, radical ideologies and terrorist groups that threaten people's lives and security. 

His Majesty warned against the practices leading to the forced migration of Arab Christians in some neighbouring countries, underscoring the role of Christians in building Arab civilisation. 

He said the Kingdom is committed to preserving the Christian presence in the region and protecting the identity of Arab Christians.

Moreover, the King underlined Jordan’s role in highlighting the true image of Islam through the Amman Message and “A Common Word”, and by hosting several religious conferences. 

Talks also addressed the efforts exerted to arrive at a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-state solution, that deals with all final status issues, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil. 

In this regard, King Abdullah warned against the repercussions of the acts of aggression and violations against Jerusalem and the city's Islamic and Christian sites. 

Regarding the situation in Syria, he stressed Jordan’s support of a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis. 

The Kingdom also stands behind Iraqis as they confront all challenges and work for a better future, His Majesty added.  

Reiterating his gratitude to Jordanians for living in harmony with the Armenian community, Sargsyan said Jordan is a model of stability, security and moderation in the Middle East and the world, especially as extremist ideologies plague the region.

He expressed his country's support for anti-terrorism efforts and the fight against radicalism.

Armenia, Sargsyan added, looks to benefit from Jordan's experience in investment, trade, industry, energy, agriculture and religious tourism, citing the Kingdom's geographic position as a gateway to economic opportunities from the region to the rest of the world. 

The King and the Armenian president on Wednesday witnessed the signing of several joint agreements and memoranda of understanding that seek to strengthen economic, agricultural, tourism and health cooperation. 

Finance Minister Umayya Toukan told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that agreements were signed on tourism, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, information technology, and agriculture. 

In addition, the two countries' chambers of industry and trade signed a memorandum of understanding, while Amman and Yerevan inked a twinning agreement.  

The agreements will pave the way for further cooperation between Jordanian and Armenian businessmen and enable the Jordanian economy to penetrate the markets of Armenia's neighbouring countries.

Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, Senate President Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh and Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh met separately with Sargsyan and discussed bilateral ties and the latest regional developments, Petra reported.