Jordan's PM discusses ties, region with New Zealand FM

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Monday discussed with visiting New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully means of forging closer relations between the two countries, mainly in the tourism field. Ensour highlighted reforms implemented by Jordan under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, pointing to consultations held by the Royal Court chief with the Lower House of Parliament to select a new prime minister. He said Jordan is keen to benefit from New Zealand's democratic experience to develop the Kingdom's democratic march. On the peace process, the premier stressed Jordan's support to efforts that aim at resuming Palestinian-Israeli talks to achieve the two-state solution, which should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also reviewed the humanitarian impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan which is hosting around half a million Syrian refugees and providing them with basic services. The New Zealand minister expressed appreciation of Jordan's role under His Majesty's leadership to deal with the region's issues, mainly the peace process and the Syrian crisis.