Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs Nasser Judeh on Sunday received Afghani Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul to discuss bilateral ties and efforts to bolster those ties in all fields.

Also, the meeting reviewed ways to increase trade and economic cooperation, investment opportunities, exchanges of expertise and benefitting from Jordan's experience in the fields of education, medicine and water management.

Judeh briefed Rassoul on Jordan's efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to resume peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis and the latest developments in Syria and its humanitarian repercussions. Judeh also reiterated the Kingdom's stance, calling for the need to find a peaceful settlement to the Syrian crisis through the participation of all Syrians, while preserving Syria's security, safety and territorial integrity.

For his part, Rassoul affirmed the importance of Jordan's efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to tackle regional issues, noting that his country considers the Palestinian issue one of the region’s principle and essential issues.

Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Nasser Judeh also held talks with his Canadian counterpart John Baird that focused on bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East.

The two ministers stressed the importance of benefiting from a bilateral Free Trade Agreement between the two countries which has come into force to increase the volume of trade exchange.

On Syria, Judeh underlined the importance of finding a political solution to stop the bloodshed and maintain the safety and security of Syria and its territorial integrity with the participation of all components of the Syrian people.

He highlighted humanitarian repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Jordan, which received more than 540,000 Syrian refugees and provide them with services.

The meeting touched on efforts aimed at reviving peace negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 with Jerusalem as its capital.

Baird voiced his country's support to Jordan in its efforts to achieve security and stability as well as its efforts in receiving and providing services to Syrian refugees.

The Canadian minister announced a $25-million direct assistance to the Jordanian government to help the refugees, noting that his country will also provide over the next two or three years $75 million in humanitarian aid.