His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday visited the Turkish National Assembly and met with Speaker Cemil Cicek and members of the Assembly for a discussion on means of strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, in order to serve the common interests of the two brotherly peoples, as well as a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

During the meeting, attended by Lower House Speaker Sa'ad Hayel Srour, King Abdullah stressed Jordan’s keenness to develop Jordanian-Turkish relations, and exchange legislative expertise.

Cicek also expressed keenness to open channels with Jordanian lawmakers and exchange expertise.

King Abdullah highlighted Jordan's reform efforts in various fields, noting that the recent parliamentary elections were an essential step on the path of reform, which promotes popular participation in decision-making.

The meeting discussed a number of regional issues, particularly efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace to realise the aspirations of the Palestinian people and establish their independent state based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.

His Majesty stressed the need to preserve the identity of Jerusalem and protect Islamic and Christian sites from Israeli threats.

King Abdullah and Cicek tackled challenges facing Jordan and Turkey because of the crisis in Syria and the influx of refugees in both countries.