Jordan- King, Canadian PM hold talks on ties, Mideast issues

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Ottawa, August 29 (Petra) -- his majesty King Abdullah II and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held talks at the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, focusing on mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields as well as a number of Middle East issues.

During the talks, King Abdullah said he was delighted to visit Canada again and meet with Prime Minister Trudeau, stressing that Jordan is keen to cement cooperation and coordination between the two countries in various domains.

His Majesty thanked Canada for supporting Syrian refugees in Jordan and its efforts towards the Middle East.

The Canadian Prime Minister welcomed His Majesty the King and said Jordan and Canada maintain close ties and common interests to make a positive impact in the world, and to work positively and constructively in the Middle East and around the world.

Following the talks, King Abdullah and Prime Minister Trudeau held a joint press conference, during which His Majesty said that Jordan is keen on developing its strategic partnership with Canada at various levels.

Following is the full text of King Abdullah's remarks:

"Thank you for the very warm welcome. I am delighted to be back here today.

It is a special honour for us to visit Canada as it marks its 150th anniversary this year, and I wish you many more prosperous years to come.
And allow me to add here that I hope that your beautiful country will soon overcome the unprecedented wildfires in British Columbia.
We have just concluded some very productive meetings, and I look forward to seeing our relationship continue to strengthen while we advance cooperation.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, Prime Minister, and your government for the generous assistance you continue to provide to Jordan; as evident of the last or latest support package announced today.
We are keen on developing our strategic partnerships on all levels, and I encourage the private sectors on both sides to capitalise on our FTA, the first signed by Canada with an Arab country.
Our cooperation covers a variety of fields from capacity building in education, to defence and border security capabilities, and even in joint audio-visual productions.
However, further opportunities abound, and we look to expand our cooperation in promising fields such as ICT, tourism, and technical education, as well as increasing direct investments.

Jordan and Canada see eye to eye on a multitude of global issues, and we had some very interesting discussions the past 24 hours, as we share a dedication to serving refugees and global peacemaking.

Canada has warmly welcomed Syrian refugees, and we hope that it continues this humanitarian policy to give new homes to Syrians coming from Jordan and elsewhere in the region.
Canada also continues to support host countries like Jordan, in words as well as deeds. And for that, we are extremely grateful.

Furthermore, we both believe in the values of tolerance and dialogue, and the importance of countering extremist ideologies and hate speech.
The fight against the global threats of terrorism and extremism can only be won within a holistic approach that exceeds military and security measures to encompass economic, social, and ideological aspects.

Securing peace in the Middle East, by resolving its central issue the Palestinian issue, will provide a solid ground for resolving other conflicts, and will end extremists' attempts to use it as a rallying cry.

Both Canada and Jordan agree on the importance of the resumption of serious and effective talks between Palestinians and Israelis, leading to a viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel.

Lastly, in Syria, we hope that the ceasefire in the southwest will be replicated elsewhere in the country, easing the way to a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people, guarantees their country's territorial integrity, and ends the bloodshed.

Jordan looks forward to further cooperation with Canada as it works towards regional and global peace.

And on a personal note, Prime Minister, again, a warm thanks to you, your government ,the people of Canada for, not only what you do for our country, but for our region and the world. You are an example that I hope other countries will follow, and I look forward, hopefully, to having you as my brother and family visiting us in Jordan so that we can continue this warm relationship into the future."

AA

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30/8/2017 - 12:36:18 AM

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