Ammon News - ISTANBUL (Petra) Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday received Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, who conveyed to him a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah II on the strong ties between Jordan and Turkey.

During the meeting, Ensour stressed the distinguished relations between Jordan and Turkey, noting progress in bilateral ties over the past two years.

Jordan's exports to Turkey rose in 2012 by 50%, while Turkish exports to Jordan increased by 76%, Ensour said.

The premier outlined, in the presence of Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ibrahim Saif and Jordan's Ambassador to Turkey Amjad Adayleh, efforts Jordan exerts to realize comprehensive reform, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah II preceded the "Arab Spring" in calling for reform to promote political and democratic life.

He highlighted the heavy burden placed on Jordan due to hosting a huge number of Syrian refugees on its territory and pressures they put on its economy and infrastructure.

For his part, Gul asked Ensour to convey his regards to King Abdullah, noting the recent visit of the King to Turkey and the successful talks held between the two leaders.

He also praised the strong bilateral ties, highlighting the free trade agreement signed between the two countries.

Gul also stressed the need to enhance bilateral cooperation, and voiced understanding of the huge burden that Jordan shoulders as a result of hosting thousands of Syrian refugees.