Jordan king, Canadian PM discuss ties, Mideast

His Majesty King Abdullah II met on Thursday with the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife who began a several-day official visit to the Kingdom. During a negotiation session, followed by an expanded meeting attended by top Jordanian and Canadian officials, the King stressed Jordan's keenness to forge closer ties with Canada in various fields. At the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, the King emphasized the need to build on agreements signed between the two countries to boost bilateral ties. He also praised Canada's continued support to the Kingdom, mainly in implementing developmental strategies to enhance youth’s capacities. The King said that Jordan's economy offers safe and stable investment environment as well as incentives in various fields, urging Canadian businessmen to benefit from available investment opportunities and the Kingdom's strategic location which makes it a gateway to access regional markets. During the meeting, which focused on regional and international issues, His Majesty said the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state as per the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative, is a top and strategic Jordanian interest. On the crisis in Syria, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan's stance which supports a comprehensive political solution to the crisis that ends bloodshed and violence and preserves Syria's unity. He also warned about the repercussions of extremism, violence and terrorism on the region's countries. The King pointed to the burden being shouldered by Jordan as a result of hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees and valued the support provided by Canada to enable the Kingdom to continue providing humanitarian services to the refugees. The Canadian prime minister, on his part, said Canada was looking forward to enhancing coordination and consultations with Jordan to promote joint cooperation in various fields. He also praised Jordan's comprehensive reform process led by His Majesty the King. Harper, who briefed the King on the outcome of his tour to the Palestinian lands and Israel, praised the King's leadership and his efforts to achieve development in the Kingdom through reforms. In welcoming remarks before the expanded meeting, the King said Jordan and Canada enjoy strong ties, pointing in this regard to Canada's role in supporting the peace process and addressing other challenges facing the Middle East. His Majesty voiced hope that the two countries would move forward and build on the free trade agreement signed by them. He highlighted the need for today's meeting between Jordanian and Canadian businessmen to move forward with the agreement. In his remarks, the Canadian prime minister pointed to His Majesty's successful visit to Canada in 2007, adding that the King was one of the first leaders to visit the country during his term. Jordan, he added, is one of the most important partners of Canada in the region, mainly in the trade and development fields and in enhancing security in this part of the world. Earlier, the Canadian prime minister received an official welcome upon his arrival at the Royal Office. His Majesty also hosted an official lunch banquet in honor of the guest and the accompanying delegation.