His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ways to enhance bilateral ties and recent political developments in the Middle East, including Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and the situation in Iraq.



In remarks to press following the meeting, the King said: "We seek to enhance Jordanian-Russian economic ties and encourage private sectors in both countries to strengthen their cooperation."



He added that Jordan hopes to sign a free trade agreement with Russia to enhance bilateral trade and investment exchange.



King Abdullah and President Putin reiterated Jordanian-Russian support for the continuation of Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, stressing that the international community's support for the peace process was central to achieving regional peace.



Both leaders considered the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip a positive development, but said it should be followed by a similar step in the West Bank.



Putin also briefed the King on a phone conversation he had earlier Thursday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.



The two leaders' discussions also addressed the situation in Iraq and ways to encourage political and social leaders in that country to continue political dialogue.



Putin acknowledged King Abdullah's efforts to clarify the essence
of Islam, which terrorists try to distort, and stressed that terror should not be linked with Islam, which he described as a religion of tolerance.



Both leaders also discuss international efforts to fight terrorism.



King Abdullah also met with editors of Russian media outlets at the Itar-Tass news agency. During the meeting, he discussed the Amman Massage, issued in Jordan last year, and explained that it was intended to explain the essence and principles of Islam and its moderate values.