Jordan, Romania set to boost ties

AMMAN — Jordan and Romania on Saturday discussed ways to boost relations in various fields.

During meetings co-chaired by prime ministers of the two countries, the two sides reviewed the latest developments pertaining to the Palestinian question, and the crisis in Syria and its consequences, especially in relation to Syrian refugees. 

At the meeting, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour asserted the solid relations between the two countries and their ongoing coordination regarding regional and international issues of joint concern. 

He also pointed out that trade exchange between the two countries is below the desired level, stressing the need to seize opportunities available to boost it and to increase bilateral economic and commercial cooperation. 

While highlighting challenges facing the Kingdom, Ensour expressed his appreciation for Romania’s continued support for Jordan, on the bilateral level and through the European Union. 

Ensour also stressed the need for further efforts to arrive at a political solution for the crisis in Syria.

The Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta expressed his country’s understanding of the burdens the Kingdom is shouldering as a result of hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees. 

Ponta said he is accompanied on the visit by his country’s Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, noting that this depicts the level of bilateral coordination on political issues, adding that he is also accompanied by Romania’s Economy Minister Mihai Tudose who will return to Jordan in less than a month to look into joint investment opportunities and ways to expand cooperation between both countries.   

Also on Saturday, the Romanian premier visited the Baptism Site where he was received by Tourism Minister Nayef Fayez and Baptism Site Commission Director Dia Madani.

Ponta and his accompanying delegation toured the holy place and were briefed on various churches and monasteries which the site features.