Ammon News - King Abdullah II held talks on Friday evening with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on bilateral ties and ways to improve cooperation in various domains, especially in the economic field.

The two leaders also discussed the latest political developments in the Middle East, especially efforts to bring about peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the two-state solution. They also discussed the Syrian crisis and its ramifications.

The two leaders also stressed their keenness to boost the existing bilateral ties in various domains, serving the two nations and peoples’ interests.

King Abdullah spoke about the advantages of Jordan’s strategic location as a link between Asia, Africa and Europe, noting the Kingdom’s security and stability, trained labour force and the regional and international free trade agreements it signed.

On the Middle East, the King affirmed that Jordan throws its weight behind the U.S. sponsored ongoing talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis, which are based on the two-state solution, international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. These talks, the King reiterated, must result in a viable and independent Palestinian state on the 4th of June borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Mexican president, on his part, welcomed King Abdullah and said his country was keen to develop ties with Jordan in various domains, especially the economic and investment sectors.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by the King to achieve security and stability in the Middle East, stressing his country’s readiness to working with Jordan to boost regional security and stability.

Following the talks, held over a luncheon in honour of the King, the two leaders held a press conference in which they hailed the existing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The King said that his visit would speed up drafting of a bilateral framework for ties, stressing that his talks with the Mexican economic figures would boost the economic cooperation between the two countries’ public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, the two countries signed a number of agreements in the presence of the two leaders. The agreements aim to boost cooperation in various educational, cultural, technical and tourism fields. Moreover, a framework for a free trade agreement between Jordan and Mexico was signed.

Talks were attended by senior officials from both sides.

Upon arrival at the Presidential Palace in Mexico City, King Abdullah was accorded an official reception.

At the end of the visit, a joint statement was issued by Jordan and Mexico.

*Petra