Jordan, Brazil set to expand economic relations

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes, a Royal Court statement said.

During the meeting, Nunes handed His Majesty a letter from Brazil President Michel Temer that tackled ways to improve bilateral relations between the two countries. 

His Majesty stressed Jordan’s keenness to boosting cooperation with Brazil, especially in the economic field. 

Talks covered Jordan's strengths as an investment destination, including its strategic location, which makes it a candidate to serve as a gateway into regional, African and Asian markets. 

King Abdullah and Nunes also discussed the prospects of signing an agreement to encourage investment between the two countries.

They went over ways of benefiting from the Mercosur economic bloc, which brings together Brazil, Argentine, Uruguay and Paraguay.   

On regional affairs, King Abdullah stressed the need for intensified efforts to resume the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis, in order to reach a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution that would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty and the visiting minister also discussed efforts to reach political solutions for the regional crises and combat terrorism within a holistic strategy.

For his part, Nunes expressed his country’s keenness to foster bilateral relations, praising the pivotal role of the Kingdom in efforts to bring about stability and security in the region. 

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and King’s Office Director Manar Dabbass attended the meeting.

Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Hani Mulki received the Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes and his accompanying delegation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Mulki and Nunes discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in all areas, along with regional developments. 

Mulki highlighted Jordan’s keenness to strengthen its trade ties with Brazil and South American countries in light of the opportunities and potentials available in both sides.

They particularly discussed the possibility of exporting Jordanian phosphate, potash and fertilisers to Brazil, enhancing tourism cooperation between the two countries and increasing the number of Brazilian tourists to the Kingdom.

Mulki reviewed Jordan’s stance on regional developments, pointing out that Jordan has reached its maximum capacity as refugee host, after the crisis exacerbated economic pressures on the country amid insufficient assistance from the international community.

For his part, Nunes pointed out promising areas for strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi also met the Brazilian top diplomat, with whom he signed a cooperation agreement in education, health, agriculture, vocational training and other fields.

Safadi and Nunes expressed keenness on further bilateral relations between the two countries, which are marking the 70th anniversary of establishing the relations next year.

They agreed on signing more deals to increase mutual trade and cooperation between both countries’ private sectors.

The meeting covered efforts related to the Palestinian issue, the Syrian crisis, a planned conference to support the UNRWA that is scheduled to be held on April 15 upon a request from Jordan, Egypt and Sweden.