Jordan, Turkey mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

AMMAN — Celebrating seven decades of cooperation, Jordan and Turkey on Wednesday mark the anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties. 

Commenting on the occasion, Turkish Ambassador to Jordan Murat Karagöz highlighted the “historical and unwavering bonds of solidarity and friendship” between the countries since ancient times, according to an embassy statement released Tuesday.

Contemporary relations between the two countries started soon after the foundation of the Republic of Turkey and the declaration of independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the embassy said.

King Abdullah I visited Turkey upon the invitation of then president Ismet Inönü on January 8, 1947.

During his visit, diplomatic relations between the Turkey and Jordan were established through the signing of “Treaty of Friendship” on January 11, 1947, noted the statement.

With this treaty, which aimed at consolidating and strengthening ties, both sides decided to establish diplomatic relations.

“The enactment of the Free Trade Agreement in 2011 and the Agreement on Visa Exemption in 2009 were of paramount importance to cement our relations,” the statement quoted Karagöz as saying. 

“Direct flights between Istanbul-Amman and Ankara-Amman as well as direct contacts among our people reached an exceptional level.”

The number of Turkish citizens in Jordan is around 3,500, while there are approximately 1,700 Jordanians residing in Turkey, according to the embassy. 

They build a “strong bridge” between both societies, the statement added.