His Majesty King Abdullah II Monday received the visiting General Secretary of World Tourism Organization (WTO) Francesco Franchali, and assistant David Develiere, who are expected to participate in WTO Executive Committee meeting due to start in Petra city Tuesday.

The King's talks with Franchali focused on fields of cooperation between Jordan and WTO, particularly following Jordan being elected, last November as WTO President.

His Majesty stressed Jordan's keenness on supporting the meeting which comes as a token of support to tourism sector in the Kingdom.

He pointed out to the importance of tourism in supporting world economy, affording job opportunities and poverty control.

Franchali expressed appreciation on the government and private sector efforts exerted to develop tourism, despite the difficult political situation in the region. Election of Jordan as president of WTO is an appreciation to the Kingdom's pioneering role in the field of tourism industry, he said.

He expressed appreciation on Jordan's role of encouraging other Arab countries join WTO.

Franchali pointed out that the organization in considering technical support to Jordan through cadres training in the field of tourism and affording researches and studies in this field.