State Minister for Media Affairs and Culture Minister Samih Maaytah highlighted the strong ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In a statement to daily newspapers and Arab media outlets, Maaytah said that His Majesty King Abdullah II and Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz are keen to further boost relations between the two countries in various fields, adding this reflects positively on the interests of both peoples. “The strong ties between the two countries reflect the continued coordination and consultations between the two countries as well their unified stance on Arab, regional and international issues,” the minister added. Maaytah, who is also the government’s spokesperson, highlighted efforts exerted by Jordan and Saudi Arabia to find just solutions to the region’s issues, mainly the Palestinian issue and the Syrian crisis. On the Syrian crisis, he said Jordan will continue its humanitarian role towards the Syrian refugees in the Kingdom, pointing to pressure they place on the Kingdom’s resources. Maaytah urged the international community to support Jordan to enable it to continue its services to the displaced Syrians. Jordan he added, is not party to the Syrian crisis but rather a victim of this crisis, noting that the Kingdom does not interfere in Syria’s internal affairs. “His Majesty King Abdullah II is investing his relations at the international level to give the Syrian file a priority, adding that the Syrian crisis will top the agenda of talks with the US President Barack Obama during his expected visit to the region,” the minister added. On the situation on the border with Syria, he said the Jordan Armed Forces are doing their utmost to protect the borders and prevent any infiltrations. Commenting on Jordanian-Russian ties, Maaytah described them as strong and historical, adding Jordan is aware of the important role of Russia in the Syrian file.