Jordan, Turkey share same stand on terror, Syria — envoy

AMMAN — Jordan and Turkey share the responsibility to serve as living examples of moderation and peaceful coexistence in a region plagued with turmoil, said Turkish Ambassador to Jordan Sedat Önal.

This sense of "togetherness" is a key standing point for the two countries to represent the true image of Islam, an issue where much needs to be done, he said Tuesday in a lecture organised by the Middle East Studies Centre.

The diplomat responded to allegations that Turkey supports Daesh through oil purchases, reiterating that Turkey stands against terrorism, which has taken the lives of 20,000 Turks over the past 20 years. 

In addition, Turkey, which, he said, has been targeted by Daesh, is part of the international US-led coalition to fight the terrorism group and puts its airspace and bases at the disposal of the coalition.

Meanwhile, he stressed his country’s belief in the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, citing a need for a more comprehensive examination of root causes of the issue, a stance similar to Jordan’s.

The two countries, which host some 4 million Syrian refugees, maintain an open-border policy with Syria, despite the pressure on resources, the diplomat noted.

Meanwhile, he called on the international community to commit to a greater share of the burden, adding that their contributions could be in the form of assistance to countries neighbouring Syria or resettlement of refugees in their countries, like Canada did.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries, which date back to 1947, are based on “unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood”, the diplomat said, adding that the leaders of the two countries are keen on developing relations further.

The free trade agreement between Jordan and Turkey, signed in 2009 and put into force in 2011, as well as the mutual exemption of visas had a major role in boosting bilateral ties, Önal said.

“Now our people know each other more than ever”.

The new Turkish government is working towards enhancing Turkish investments in Jordan and “reenergising” economic cooperation, he said, adding that the two sides are working together to increase Jordanian exports to Turkey.

He also cited cooperation between the two countries in the Disi Water Conveyance Project, as well as a joint venture with the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau to develop defence systems that will be marketed in the region.