Jordan and Croatia on Wednesday said they would continue efforts to further cement ties among Lower-Middle Income Countries Initiative (G-11).

Both countries are members of the initiative, which was launched by His Majesty King Abdullah in September 2006.

G-11 also groups Pakistan, Ecuador, El Salvador, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Paraguay and Sri Lanka.

During Wednesday's talks between King Abdullah and visiting Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, the two leaders stressed the need to build strong relations between the G-11 and G-8, which is scheduled to hold its summit in Japan this summer.

King Abdullah stressed the significant role of Croatia to push for an economic and commercial cooperation agreement between the G-11 member states as the initiative's working groups meet in Geneva next month.

The King and Mesic, who left the Kingdom later Wednesday following a two-day visit, also discussed means to bolster bilateral ties in economic and commercial fields and developments in the Middle East.

The two leaders agreed there is a need to spur Jordan-Croatia cooperation in the fields of investment and tourism.

They also said the two countries can reciprocally benefit from their experiences in the field of energy.

On the Middle East, King Abdullah reviewed current developments in the region and efforts under way to push the peace process forward.

The King stressed the need for the international community, especially EU countries, to encourage the Palestinians and Israelis to proceed with their negotiations aimed at working out a just and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue that should lead to an independent Palestinian state.

Talks also covered the situation in the Balkans. The two leaders underlined the need for stability in that area as a prerequisite for a prosperous future for the region's peoples.

King Abdullah said Croatia plays a major role in this regard and also in the pursuit for Mideast peace, especially since the country is currently a non-permanent member in the Security Council.

For his part, the Croatian president stressed his country's willingness to strengthen ties with Jordan and activate bilateral agreements both countries have previously signed.

In May 2004, King Abdullah visited Croatia and Mesic visited the Kingdom in March the same year.

Mesic will return to Jordan in June to attend the 4th Nobel Laureates Conference, which is held annually in Petra.