Jordanian-Cypriot business forum

Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh and Cypriot President Demetris Christofias Thursday opened the Jordanian-Cypriot Business Forum, which aims to look into ways to develop economic relations, bolster trade exchange and establish joint ventures by business owners and investors of the two countries. The event is organized by the Jordan chambers of commerce and industry, Jordan Europe Business Association (JEBA) and Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Tarawneh stressed that Jordan and Cyprus have a firm will to develop joint cooperation, adding that geographical location and common interests and similarities in economies are some of the factors that contribute to enhancing the two countries' efforts to open new horizons of relations. The premier noted partnership relations between Jordan and the European Union EU, currently chaired by Cyprus and the aspiration of Jordan to develop these relations for the interest of both parties. The volume of trade exchange between Jordan and Cyprus is still not up to ambitions and potentials, the prime minister said, stressing that the political stability enjoyed by Jordan is an essential element to promote trade between the two countries. Tarawneh addressed the impact of the difficult regional conditions on Jordan, especially the crisis in Syria, noting that Jordan and despite economic conditions does all it can to provide services to Syrian refugees, whose number is increasing on a daily basis, because of the deteriorating situation in Syria. For his part, Cypriot President stressed that the political relations between the two countries are good and constantly evolving, however, he added, the bilateral trade is still poor, adding that strengthening trade relations is the responsibility of all. He hailed Jordan's policy, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II and the Jordanian humanitarian role in receiving several waves of refugees, last of which is of Syrian refugees who fled their country as a result of the tragic situation. He stressed that Cyprus will do its best to help Jordan to bear the burden of hosting refugees, adding that he would ask the European Union to provide assistance for the Kingdom in this regard.