India, Jordan Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Across Key Sectors | India News

According to the official statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA), Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra met with Secretary-General Daifallah Ali Al-Fayez and Ambassador Mohammed Abu Wendi, Director of Asian and Oceanic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on October 13, during her official visit to Jordan.

The visit is also part of the high-level contacts between the two countries on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere where both sides reviewed the entire scope of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, defence, cultural and people-to-people cooperation.

The statement stated that both sides expressed their satisfaction with the traditional friendly ties between India and Jordan and reiterated their determination to further strengthen the partnership in all fields.

Regional and global developments of mutual concern, including the situation in West Asia, were also discussed.

The statement said both sides reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Senior officials agreed to maintain regular contacts between the two Ministries and hold the next round of Ministry of External Affairs Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi next year.

Later, the Secretary (South) interacted with representatives of the Indian diaspora, business, academia and culture, as well as officials associated with different areas of cooperation between the two sides, at a reception hosted by the Indian Embassy.

The statement stated that the Secretary (South) appreciated the contribution of various representations in deepening the ties between the two countries.

During the visit, the Secretary (South) will also meet the Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Zone Authority (PDTRA), Fares Braizat, and other representatives to discuss the Twinning Agreement between Agra and Petra.

This meeting followed the Ministry of External Affairs Consultations held between India and Jordan in Amman on April 29 this year; where both sides reviewed the entire bilateral relations and shared detailed perspectives on regional and global issues of common interest; This further reflects the steady momentum in the India-Jordan partnership.

During these consultations, the two countries discussed strengthening their partnership through existing bilateral mechanisms in the political security, economic, development and people-to-people sectors.

According to the press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides also agreed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries with a series of events.

The Secretary (CPV & OIA) expressed gratitude to the Jordanian side for their expression of solidarity with the people and Government of India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.

The consultations were co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) and Majed T Qatarneh, Secretary General, Ministry of External Affairs and Jordanian Expatriates. The last round of Ministry of External Affairs Consultations between India and Jordan was held virtually in 2020.

The MEA noted that “consultations took place in a cordial atmosphere.” Officials from both sides agreed that the next Foreign Ministry Consultations will be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.

In a press release, the MEA further stated: “India and Jordan share a warm and friendly relationship underpinned by a common vision. Trade and investment cooperation between the two parties has strengthened and expanded, with India emerging as Jordan’s 4th largest trading partner with bilateral trade of $2.8 billion in 2023-24.”

“Both sides agreed on the need to further diversify economic cooperation and promote mutual investments. During the visit, the Secretary (CPV & OIA) interacted with members of the Indian community as well as representatives of Jordanian business, culture, academia and friends of India. He would visit the India-Jordan IT Center of Excellence at Al-Hussein Technical University (HTU) in Amman. It is an important institution of further education established in India. help,” he added.