Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) Jordanian-Turkish meetings opened at the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Supply on Monday to discuss ways of boosting economic ties between the two countries.

Acting Minister of Public Works and Housing and Minister of Supply Walid Masri, who headed the Jordanian side in the meetings, highlighted the positive outcome of His Majesty King Abdullah II's visit to Turkey in March and the directives issued by the two countries' leaders to further increase economic and investment cooperation.

He said the economic partnership between Jordan and Turkey began during the 1980s when the two countries signed a free trade agreement, noting that relations between the two countries have been developing since then in the trade, investment and economic sectors.

"Relations between the two countries culminated in the signing of an agreement on establishing a free trade zone in 2009 and entered into force in March 2011," the minister said.

Jordan's exports to Turkey increased by 43 percent in 2012, standing at $126 million. Imports also rose by 71.6 percent, reaching $952 million.

Masri briefed the Turkish officials on Jordan's investment climate, as well as those laws regulating investments.

Advisor at the Turkish Ministry of Economy and Head of the Turkish delegation Metin Deger said the Turkish delegation's visit is a follow-up to the King's successful visit to Turkey and is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two countries, maximizing benefits from already signed agreements, and increasing Turkish investments in the Kingdom.

He said Turkey is interested in further developing economic ties with Jordan, adding that the establishment of a free trade zone in Aqaba will have a positive impact and increase Turkish investment in the Kingdom.

Also, President of the Jordan-Turkish Business Council Hami Tabbaa highlighted the need to implement proposals made during the King's visit to Turkey, mainly the establishment of a Turkish free zone in Aqaba.

Meanwhile, Turkish Ambassador to Jordan Sedat Onal said the visit of the Turkish delegation reflects Turkey's willingness to further strengthen economic ties with Jordan.

Chairman of the Jordan-Turkish Business Council Serif Egeli said that during the King's visit to Turkey, there were discussions about benefiting from the Kingdom's strategic location in view of the developments in neighbouring countries, such as Iraq and Syria.