His Majesty King Abdullah held talks on Thursday with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that focused on bilateral ties and means to develop them in all areas, particularly at the economic level.

Discussions, which took place at the presidential palace, covered political developments in the Middle East, especially efforts geared towards bringing about peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis according to the two-state solution.

They also reviewed the situation in Syria and its repercussions on the region.

The two leaders underlined their commitment to fostering cooperation between the two countries during a lunch banquet held in honour of King Abdullah and the accompanying delegation.

The King pointed out that the Kingdom enjoys a distinguished strategic location, serving as a link between Asia, Europe and Africa, in addition to enjoying stability, having qualified workers and being signatory to international and regional free trade agreements.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, talks focused on efforts to bring about peace in light of the ongoing negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.

His Majesty underlined Jordan’s support for the current US-brokered negotiations, which are being held according to the two-state solution and the international resolutions, particularly the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, arriving at the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In relation to developments in Syria, the King reiterated the Jordan’s stance in supporting efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the crisis that ends bloodshed, citing burdens the Kingdom is enduring due to hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.

For his part, the Mexican president underscored his country’s commitment to develop cooperation with Jordan in all areas, voicing his appreciation for the King’s role in working to realise regional stability.

He stressed Mexico’s willingness to coordinate with the Kingdom to enable it to overcome challenges.

In press statements, His Majesty thanked the Mexican president and government for the “warm” welcome and hospitality.

“This visit affirms our eagerness to build friendship, understanding and cooperation between our two countries and also presents an opportunity to mark four decades of diplomatic relations, strengthen political cooperation and enhance economic ties between Jordan and Mexico,” said the King.

His Majesty added that the visit came in time Mexico is “ascending on the global scene”, stressing Jordan’s keenness to reach out to Mexico as a global partner in economic, educational, cultural and technical fields.

“In this regard, expediting the establishment of a comprehensive bilateral framework will help take our relations forward,” the King said.

His Majesty also expressed his confidence that the visit would bolster economic cooperation between the private sectors in both countries through the exchange of business missions, tourism, investments and trade.

The King indicated that Jordan’s stability, geo-strategic location, competitive advantages and free trade agreements offer Mexico a strategic gateway to access MENA markets and projects.

At the political level, His Majesty said the talks underscored the two countries’ agreement on the centrality of the Arab-Israeli peace process, where a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the only way to achieving security and stability for all in the Middle East and beyond.

“I deeply appreciate Mexico as it stands with Jordan in its efforts to realise one of its highest priorities and interests to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on the two-state solution, and in accordance with UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative,” the King indicated.

His Majesty added that the meeting with Nieto allowed the two parties to amplify the international call for a political solution on the Syrian crisis, the importance of dialogue based on the Geneva Communiqué, Geneva I and the ongoing Geneva II process.

For his part, the Mexican president highlighted that the King’s visit was the first after nearly 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Mexico.

He cited agreements signed between the two countries during the visit and their importance in fostering cooperation in the areas of education and culture, technical support and tourism.

The agreement on educational and cultural cooperation aims at increasing and supporting cooperation within the fields of education, arts, culture and sports by conducting activities that will contribute to a better understanding between the two countries.

The basic agreement on technical cooperation seeks to develop, promote and facilitate bilateral cooperation through designing and developing programmes and projects in the fields of tourism, agriculture, environment, health and energy.

In addition, the two countries signed memorandums of understanding on tourism, social security and health cooperation.

They also signed terms of reference for the negotiations of a free trade agreement between Mexico and Jordan.