(MENAFN- Jordan Times) His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein on a state visit to Canada, on Monday met with Governor General of Canada David Johnston, discussing bilateral relations and regional developments.
The two countries have shared views and perspectives on a number of Middle Eastern conflicts, including Syria, Iraq and the Palestinian problem.
At bilateral level, the free trade agreement, entered into force in 2012, Canada's first FTA with an Arab country, binds the two countries economically.
In Tuesday's discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, means of enhancing cooperation between Jordan and Canada were slated to be discussed, as well as the latest regional and international developments.
Expanding the volume of trade and commerce between the two countries would be one way of strengthening ties. So far, trade remains modest in scope: Canada's imports from Jordan did not exceed JD22.6 million in the first half of 2017, while Jordan's imports of Canadian manufactured goods were valued at JD20.3 million during the same period.
King Abdullah and the governor stressed their countries' keenness to enhance cooperation, especially in economic and investment fields, mutual trade, education, and vocational and technical training.
Besides bilateral relations, discussions touched on regional issues: the Middle East peace process, the Syrian crisis, efforts to reach political solutions to regional conflicts and the need to fight against terrorism in a holistic manner.
Also tackled was the burden Jordan shoulders by hosting Syrian refugees.
With no immediate solution to the Syrian conflict in sight, Jordan needs help to continue offering its humanitarian services to the some 1.3 million refugees.
Canada sure understands the plight. The country has a proud history of supporting refugees and can be counted on to extend a helping hand to Jordan for its part in support of the Syrians who took refuge in the Kingdom.
Ottawa can also be expected to continue the search for a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has reached a seemingly intractable phase, overshadowed by the many other regional conflicts.
The cordial relations between Jordan and Canada, which go back several decades, form the environment needed to expand them even farther, on many fronts.
It is a wish expressed by both countries, and enhanced cooperation will be of benefit to both peoples.
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