Jordan and Slovenia on Sunday identified a set of fields most promising for cooperation between the two countries.

During talks between His Majesty King Abdullah and Slovenian President Borut Pahor, the two sides agreed to work jointly for effective cooperation in the alternative and renewable energy, IT, water, medical tourism, agriculture and security and defence industries.

The two leaders also discussed Middle East crises, with focus on the Syrian conflict and the war on terror.

King Abdullah held with Pahor a one-on-one meeting that was followed by expanded talks attended by senior officials from both countries.

At the second round of talks, His Majesty underlined the “highly important” meeting, which he described as an opportunity for Jordan and Slovenia to build more solid bilateral ties.

The King recalled his latest visit to Slovenia, adding that the visit by Pahor is an opportunity to strengthen the already strong political ties and look into economic prospects, especially in the face of common challenges, underlining that there are several commonalities between the two nations.

His Majesty said he was looking forward to cooperating with Slovenia in the field of security and defence to move ahead side by side to face the challenges that face us.

For his part, the Slovenian president stressed that Amman and Ljubljana follow a very similar approach as they deal with their different challenges, adding that political ties are excellent” and can be improved, while more efforts should be exerted to take the economic relations to a new level.

President Pahor underlined the importance of the Jordanian-Slovenian Business Council that is holding a new session in Amman. In this regard, he called for investing in the available economic opportunities, maintaining that this is the right time to stimulate economic cooperation.

He said that his country seeks to build friendships all over the world and described the King as a “real friend”.

Pointing out his Saturday visit to the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp, the president highlighted the “huge efforts” Jordan is exerting to serve the refugee community. Noting that Zaatari equals in size the third largest Slovenian city, he commended the sound management of the refugee town, where, he said, residents are satisfied with the services they are offered.

Pahor noted he had never seen a refugee camp managed in such an organised manner, voicing appreciation for Jordan’s humanitarian work, and praising the King as a peace-making leader in the region.

The talks, which continued over a lunch banquet, witnessed a discussion over ways to build on agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries to increase cooperation and embark on joint ventures.

His Majesty noted that chances are strong for better economic ties, especially with regard to benefiting from Jordan’s investment advantages such as the free trade agreements entered with influential global players.

In the details, the two sides agreed to activate an MoU signed between Aqaba Port and Slovenia’s Port of Koper in a way that Jordan serves as a regional hub for Slovenia’s trade with the Middle East.

On Syria, they agreed that only a political solution would bring an end to the crisis, while they went over the burdens shouldered by Jordan as a result of the refugee influx.

The discussions also covered regional and international efforts to combat terrorist groups, with the King reiterating the need to address the threat through a holistic strategy.

Earlier in the day, an official reception ceremony was held at Al Husseiniya Palace, where the president was greeted by His Majesty.