Jordan, Malta agree further cooperation in trade, tourism

AMMAN — Jordan and Malta on Monday examined means to enhance bilateral relations and discussed the latest regional developments.

At several meetings held between senior Jordanian and Maltese officials, talks covered means to increase cooperation in trade and tourism, and operate direct flights between the two countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and his Maltese counterpart, Joseph Muscat, who was visiting the Kingdom on Monday, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Malta’s Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

At a meeting with Muscat, Ensour noted that Jordanian-Maltese diplomatic relations date back to 1976, expressing the Kingdom’s keenness on enhancing them in all fields.

Ensour also underlined that Jordan has succeeded in maintaining its security and stability despite regional turmoil, saying that the Kingdom’s modernisation and openness can qualify it to become a regional hub for economic cooperation.

The premier said the unprecedented regional challenges require intensified Jordanian-Maltese cooperation and coordination to address the danger of terrorism and radicalisation.

He also briefed Muscat and the accompanying delegation on Jordan’s burdens resulting from hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees, in addition to refugees from other countries.

Ensour added that Maltese businessmen are invited to benefit from available investment opportunities in Jordan, especially in infrastructure, water, renewable energy, transport and ICT projects.

The Maltese prime minister said Jordan and Malta enjoy stability, noting that promoting the rule of law and democracy in both countries would lead to more cooperation.

He also said that his visit to the Kingdom aims at learning about the challenges facing the region, which necessitate more cooperation and consultation.

Muscat expressed understanding of the burden Jordan has to endure as result of hosting refugees and called for a holistic solution to the crisis.

Ensour and Muscat also participated in the Jordanian-Maltese business council meeting, organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Petra reported.

The premier said communication between businesspeople from both countries is important to enhance ties, as the trade volume remains below expectations and does not reflect the potentials and opportunities that both countries enjoy.

Simplifying the EU rules of origins, he added, would lead to bigger opportunities for commercial exchange, facilitating Jordan’s entry to European markets and attracting more investments. 

Ensour urged Maltese businesspeople to establish investments in Jordan. 

Also on Monday Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh met with his counterpart George William Vella and exchanged views on bilateral relations and the latest regional developments.

Both officials highlighted the importance of increasing cooperation in the economic, commercial and cultural fields, Petra added.

Vella voiced his country’s keenness to continue coordination and cooperation with the Kingdom at all levels.

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Maha Ali met with Maltese Economy Minister Christian Cardona and discussed means to enhance trade exchange between the two countries, Petra reported.

Tourism Minister Nayef Al Fayez also met with his Maltese counterpart Edward Zammit Lewis and exchanged views on ways of enhancing tourism cooperation.