Jordan and Bulgaria on Monday agreed to facilitate the entry of their products to east Europe and the Middle East, respectively, as both countries signed four additional agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

During talks between His Majesty King Abdullah and Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, the two leaders agreed to further develop and enhance economic cooperation, increase trade exchange and implement joint investment projects with the participation of the private sector in both countries.

In a joint statement following the meeting, King Abdullah and Parvanov welcomed the signing of the deals, which include one on international transport of passengers and goods by road, an agreement on police cooperation, a programme for cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture, and an agreement of cooperation between the two countries' respective chambers of commerce and industry.

King Abdullah and Parvanov underlined the need for Jordanian and Bulgarian businesspeople to exchange visits.

In the communiqué, Amman and Sofia said they wanted to accelerate the finalisation and signing of additional protocols in the areas of investment protection, defence and business development.

Talks between the two leaders covered international and regional issues of mutual concern, chief among which are efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East.

The two leaders welcomed the outcome of the recently-held Middle East peace meeting in Annapolis as a positive beginning for a process that would lead to a final status agreement by the end of 2008 and to the establishment of a Palestinian state, living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security.

In this regard, they stressed that negotiations should proceed in accordance with a “benchmarked, timelined framework in order to succeed and restore public confidence, with the aim of achieving a lasting and just settlement of the conflict, based on the land-for-peace principle, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the roadmap and previous agreements between the parties”.

The two leaders also called on the international community to continue its active support to the parties in their negotiations and provide the necessary assistance to the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of a Palestinian state and reviving the economy.

On Iraq, they stressed support to all efforts exerted to empower Iraqis restore security, stability and preserve their unity.

The Bulgarian president invited King Abdullah to visit Bulgaria.