His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received at the Zahran Palace the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who arrived in Amman on a two-day official visit to Jordan.

King Abdullah and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held talks that focused on bilateral ties and regional issues.

The two leaders, who attended the signing of several bilateral agreements, stressed keenness to boost cooperation between the two Muslim states, especially in the economic and trade fields. They also welcomed the signing of several deals designed to enhance cooperation in various fields.

The two sides signed four agreements, including one to boost collaboration in the fields of science, education, culture, arts, sport, youth, health and media.

Another deal was concluded between the Greater Amman Municipality and the Baku City Executive Authority.

The two countries also signed a deal to establish a Jordanian-Azerbaijani joint committee and an agreement to found a joint Jordanian-Azerbaijani business council.

King Abdullah and Aliyev described the conclusion of deals as an important step to boost cooperation in various domains, underlining the significance of better ties between Jordanian and Azerbaijani private sectors. To this end, the two leaders urged businessmen to exchange visits to explore potential opportunities for cooperation and joint ventures.

During the meeting between the King and Aliyev, King Abdullah highlighted Jordan's efforts exerted along with other Arab states to relaunch a comprehensive peace process that leads to ending the Israeli occupation on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers the Israelis full normal ties with the Arab world in return for withdrawal from territories it occupied in the 1967 war.

The initiative, which has received fresh support by Arab leaders in their Riyadh summit in March this year, illustrates the Arabs' determination to make peace and co-exist with Israel, the King said.

His Majesty reiterated that the Palestinian issue is the core of conflicts in the region and reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the issue is the key to bringing about stability to the entire region.

In this regard, the Azerbaijani president discussed with the King the role his country can play in relaunching the peace process as a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, which groups 56 Muslim states.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iraq, pointing out the need to enhance stability and security in the country and the participation of all Iraqis in national reconciliation efforts.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Azerbaijan Television, His Majesty stressed that Jordan and Azerbaijan enjoy strong ties and said he considered Aliyev's visit to the Kingdom a major opportunity to boost bilateral relations.

The King said that both leaders are keen on strengthening economic, cultural and social ties.

King Abdullah also expressed his appreciation for President Aliyev's efforts in developing his country as well as achieving sustainable development in various fields.

The King pointed out that the two countries are very much similar in their pursuit to achieve sustainable development, progress and prosperity for their people.