Jordan's King Abdullah discusses with Cyprus ways of strengthening regional relations
Xinhua, September 9, 2016 Adjust font size:
King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed ways of strengthening relations with Cyprus and other countries in the region in talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades during a brief visit to the eastern Mediterranean Island, Cyprus' government spokesman said on Thursday.
He said the talks covered the possibility of holding a summit of the leaders of Jordan, Cyprus and Greece.
He added that President Anastasiades will convey to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras King Abdullah's will for a tripartite meeting of their countries when they meet in Athens Thursday night.
The Cypriot president left Cyprus in the afternoon for Athens for Friday's meeting of the leaders of southern European countries called by Tsipras.
Government spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said that by the end of this year several bilateral cooperation agreements will be signed in various fields.
"Issues relating to economy, tourism and energy were discussed, taking into consideration regional and European developments," the spokesman said.
He also said that Cyprus will continue supporting additional European aid to both Jordan and Lebanon, which have to care for refugees who are too many in relation to their population.
An official statement said president Anastasiades, speaking at a working lunch he hosted for King Abdullah and his entourage, said Cyprus along with Greece and other countries will continue working for closer relations between the European Union and Jordan.
Anastasiades said Cyprus is a firm supporter of a solution to the Middle East problem and praised King Abdullah for his efforts towards a solution of the Palestinian conflict.
On his part, King Abdullah said Jordan is firmly on the side of Cyprus for a solution to its long standing political problem.
"What binds our two countries together at this stage is the challenges of the region, the turmoil which brings us shoulder to shoulder in a way that I think will strengthen Jordan and Cyprus for generations to come," Abdullah said. Endit