PM, Canada FM talk ties, region

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh and Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Middle East.  

Khasawneh stressed the “deep-rooted” relations between Jordan and Canada, noting how the meetings and contacts between His Majesty King Abdullah and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have widened the scope for cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The prime minister expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation of Canada’s support and referred to the possibility of increasing cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, water desalination and education.

He also highlighted the importance of benefiting from the two countries’ free trade agreement and boosting the commercial exchange volume that is still lacking, in addition to surmounting any obstacles hindering commercial exchange.

Jordan and Canada have a free trade agreement, which is the first with an Arab country, where the trade exchange volume in 2020 stood at $106.7 million, including $62.7 million as Jordanian exports to Canada and $44 million as Canadian exports to the Kingdom, Petra noted.

Khasawneh also acquainted Garneau with the challenges facing Jordan as a result of regional events, mainly receiving Syrian refugees and the pressure it imposes on services, infrastructure and jobs. 

The Canadian minister said that the two countries enjoy “close and solid” ties that are strengthened through their efforts to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.

The minister noted that Jordan can be a destination for Canadian tourists, given the Kingdom enjoys several historical and religious sites.