His Majesty King Abdullah and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday discussed steps to enhance cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, through Russia's investment in the Jordan's nuclear programme, as well as the transport, water and agriculture sectors.

The two leaders stressed their commitment to “institutionalised and effective mechanisms” to further enhance cooperation, particularly in economic exchange, including the cancellation of double taxation, cooperation in transport and food security and measures to accelerate and develop Russians investment in the Kingdom.

King Abdullah said ahead of the meeting with Medvedev that he was satisfied with the quality of ties between Jordan and Russia, especially from an economic perspective, and said the meeting would be an opportunity to further develop these relations.

Medvedev, who later concluded the two-day visit to the Kingdom, stressed his country's keenness to boost ties at all levels.

On the peace process, King Abdullah and Medvedev renewed support for peace efforts in the Middle East that will lead to an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two leaders agreed to continue coordination through their foreign ministries to help achieve tangible progress towards the two-state solution; the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

“Jordan will continue welcoming Russia's effective and integral role to bring about stability in the region and the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations that result in the two-state solution,” the King said.

Outlining the output of his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah Tuesday, Medvedev said that Russia will not spare any effort to bring about peace in the region.

“I told my Palestinian friends that the establishment of a unified, sovereign and modern Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is the ultimate goal,” Medvedev said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Suleiman Hafez and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shmatko signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Russian state-controlled company JSC Zarubezhneft.

Under the deal, the Russian side will encourage companies to invest in the oil and gas sectors in the Kingdom through partnership agreements covering production and exploration as well as infrastructure.

It also stipulates exchanging expertise and information on advanced oil- and gas-related technologies.

In the field of electricity, Moscow will encourage Russian companies to enter tenders for electricity projects, including those produced by renewable energy sources.

The two sides will meet annually in Moscow and Amman to follow up on the implementation of the agreement.

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan highlighted Russia's interest to invest in Jordan's nuclear power schemes.

He said that the ministry has prepared a draft programme for cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia over the next three years.

He added the two countries renewed months ago the scientific and cultural cooperation agreement for 2010-2012.

Jordan and Russia are signatory to several economic, technical, trade and investment agreements.

The trade volume between the two countries has witnessed notable development over the past four years as imports from Russia reached JD247 million in 2009, while exports stood at JD11 million.

Imports from Russia reached JD156 until the end of November last year, while Jordanian exports to Russia amounted at JD9.1 million.

The number of Russian tourists visiting the Kingdom stood at 70,000 in 2010, a 14.3 per cent increase compared to 2009.