Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra)--Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Monday discussed with his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully bilateral ties, and the latest developments in the Middle East, mainly the Syrian crisis and the peace process.

The two officials stressed the need to develop relations between the two countries and continue coordination and consultations on issues of common interest.

Talks also covered the Middle East peace process and efforts to push it forward.

Judeh highlighted the need to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Syria and called for a quick solution to the Syrian crisis that ends violence and bloodshed.

Judeh reviewed the humanitarian impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan, which is hosting about half a million Syrian refugees.

McCully voiced appreciation of Jordan's role under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II to deal with the Syrian crisis and advance the peace process.

PM, discusses ties, region with New Zealand FM

Also on Monday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour discussed with visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully means of forging closer relations between the two countries, mainly in the tourism field.

Ensour highlighted reforms implemented by Jordan under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, pointing to consultations held by the Royal Court chief with the Lower House of Parliament to a new prime minister.

He said Jordan is keen to benefit from New Zealand's democratic experience to develop the Kingdom's democratic march.

On the peace process, the premier stressed Jordan's support to efforts that aim at resuming Palestinian-Israeli talks to achieve the two-state solution, which should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also reviewed the humanitarian impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan which is hosting around half a million Syrian refugees and providing them with basic services.

The New Zealand minister expressed appreciation of Jordan's role under His Majesty's leadership to deal with the region's issues, mainly the peace process and the Syrian crisis.