Iraq, Jordan work to deepen ties: official

AMMAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Iraq and Jordan are working to overcome disagreements and deepen ties, according to Iraqi Foreign Minister and his Jordanian counterpart in a joint press conference in Amman on Sunday.

Ibrahim Jaafar, Iraqi foreign minister, said Jordan has tremendous opportunities and potential to join the reconstruction process in Iraq, adding that trade exchange between the two sides is key to boost relations.

The Iraqi official didn't disclose to the media in which specific areas the differences are, but added that the security threats and terrorism threaten economic ties between Jordan and Iraq.

Jaafar said the two countries need each other and look into forming a military committee to control the Iraqi-Jordanian borders.

On Syria, the Iraqi official called for a political solution to end the crisis in Syria and to respect the will of the Syrian people.

On the Palestinian issue, he said it was the key issue in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi stressed on the need for continued cooperation between Iraq and Jordan, adding that discussions covered cooperation in areas of defence and fighting terrorist groups.

He also reiterated Jordan's support for efforts to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, adding that there is a humanitarian crisis in the country.

Safadi warned against the relocation of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, adding that Jordan's efforts succeeded in curbing many countries from relocating their embassies to Jerusalem. Enditem