Jordan, Ukraine sign five deals to boost ties

His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych which focused on boosting bilateral relations, as the two sides admitted that much has to be done in that regard. The two leaders also examined the latest regional developments and efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution as well as several regional and international issues. The two-way talks, followed by a broader meeting attended by HRH Prince Ghazi Ben Mohammad, the King’s special adviser and personal envoy, and several officials, addressed means to push cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic field. The two sides agreed to take “institutional and tangible steps” to encourage mutual investments through better liaisons between the Jordanian and Ukrainian private sectors, highlighting potential in the energy, technology, transport, railway and military sectors. On Middle East peace, King Abdullah emphasised that the two-state solution is the sole formula that leads to an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. On the sidelines of the visit, the King and the Ukrainian president attended the signing of five agreements to boost diplomatic, health and military cooperation and combat money laundering. At a joint press conference, the King noted that the Jordanian-Ukrainian economic relations still do not reflect the desired level. “There is a lot of work to be done and we are taking our countries further towards this direction,” King Abdullah said. With regard to the agreements signed between Jordan and Ukraine, King Abdullah voiced confidence that the deals will pave the way for better ties. King Abdullah highlighted the mega-projects that Jordan is implementing in the fields of energy, water and railway, pointing out that these projects entail good opportunities for the private sector to invest in. “We need to activate the Jordanian-Ukrainian ministerial committee to increase visits of economic delegations and set up trade fairs in the two countries,” the King added. On his talks with the Ukrainian president, His Majesty said the meeting provided the chance to examine the developments in the Middle East region, noting that Ukraine can play an effective role to assist the Middle East to overcome the challenges facing it and work to boost chances for peace. Addressing the press, Yanukovych lauded King Abdullah’s efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. “We highly appreciate the intensive efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to achieve peace in the Middle East and boost the security and stability of the region and its people.” Yanukovych also asserted Ukraine’s support for the efforts exerted to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He emphasised the King’s visit to Kiev as a significant step towards better relations. Also yesterday, King Abdullah presented Yanukovych with the Nahda Medal of First Order while the Ukrainian president conferred upon King Abdullah the medal of distinction, awarded to world leaders and statesmen in appreciation of their achievements. Moreover, the King held talks with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Lytvyn during which they stressed the need to exchange parliamentary and legislation-related expertise. Discussions also focused on the Mideast. Means to upgrade economic cooperation also were at the centre of the talks His Majesty held with Ukraine’s Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.