Jordan Times
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Jordan, Azerbaijan sign new
deals
AMMAN (JT) - Jordan and Azerbaijan on Monday signed further bilateral agreements
expected to strengthen ties, especially in the economic field.
In the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah and Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi and Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov signed two deals; the first promotes joint
investments, while the other is meant to prevent double taxation.
On the first day of his visit to Baku, the third since 2006, King Abdullah held
talks with Aliyev on means to enhance bilateral cooperation and the latest
developments in the Middle East peace process.
The two leaders emphasised that finding a just and permanent solution to the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which leads to the establishment of an independent
Palestinian state, living side by side with Israel, will guarantee the two
sides’ rights and interests.
On Iraq, the King and Aliyev voiced support for efforts to reach national
concord, underscoring the need to restore security and stability and build a
unified Iraq that is inclusive of all citizens.
At the meeting, King Abdullah said Jordan is aware of the vitality of strategic
ties with Azerbaijan, adding that he views the visit to this Asian country as an
opportunity to start a new phase of economic, political, military and security
cooperation.
Meanwhile, Aliyev said the Jordan Trade Exhibition, which will be inaugurated
today, will have a major impact on the volume of trade exchange and joint
investments between the private sectors in both countries (see story).
At the end of the talks, which coincided with the 15th anniversary of
establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries, the two sides issued a
joint statement which called on the private sector to benefit from the strong
political ties between Jordan and Azerbaijan and the available opportunities.
The communiqué said it was important to expand cooperation in the fields of oil
and gas exploration, agriculture, transportation, education and services.
The two sides also stressed their support for efforts aimed at fighting
terrorism.
In July last year, Jordan and Azerbaijan signed four agreements during a visit
by Aliyev to the Kingdom. They included a deal to boost collaboration in the
fields of science, education, culture, arts, sport, youth, health and media.
Another was concluded between the Greater Amman Municipality and the Baku City
Executive Authority.
The two countries also signed a deal to establish a Jordanian-Azerbaijani joint
committee and an agreement to create a joint Jordanian-Azerbaijani business
council.
King Abdullah said in an interview with the AzerTAj State Information Agency
that his previous visit to Baku and Aliyev's visit to Amman reflects the shared
willingness to build stronger ties that cover several vital fields.
The Monarch said prospects are promising for greater cooperation in the economic
and commercial fields and carrying out joint investments.
In an interview with Jordan Television, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said
the existence of a direct airline between the two countries will open new
opportunities for businesspeople from both countries.