His Majesty King Abdullah II held talks on Thursday with the Romanian President Ion Elesico in Aqaba. The talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries in economic and cultural fields in addition to efforts being exerted to revive the Middle East peace process.

The two sides affirmed in a bilateral meeting followed by an extended meeting attended by the Prime Minister, chief of the Royal Court, Foreign Minister, State Minister for foreign affairs and other officials from both sides, the importance of taking practical steps to activate cooperation between the private sectors from both countries and increase trade exchange between them.

His Majesty briefed the Romanian side on the investment privileges in Jordan especially after the signing of the Free Trade agreement with the USA and the establishment of a free economic zone in Aqaba. He noted possibilities for Romanian Investors to benefit from these opportunities especially in the Free Aqaba Economic Zone and some other Qualified Industrial Zones.

For his part, the Romanian President hailed the economic development in Jordan especially in Aqaba, noting that this experience is similar to that of Romania. "This visit to Jordan will contribute in increasing bilateral cooperation, promoting economic and political relations between the two countries and expanding the trade exchange.

The two sides also reviewed the situation in the Middle East and efforts being exerted to revive the peace process and encourage the Palestinians and Israelis to return back to the negotiating table.

The Romanian President and his accompanying delegation concluded their visit to Aqaba by a land and sea tour in Aqaba with State Minister for foreign affairs Shahir Bak and the President of Aqaba Free Economic Zone Aqil Biltaji.

The Romanian President toured the facilities of Aqaba Port and the tourism projects that are being established there. He also visited the international industrial city located near Aqaba Airport and listened to a briefing from Biltaji on the activities and industrial projects expected to be carried out there.