His Majesty King Abdullah and Czech President Miloš Zeman on Wednesday exchanged views on the latest regional developments and means to enhance ties politically and economically.

At a meeting attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania al Abdullah and the Czech president’s spouse, King Abdullah welcomed Zeman to Jordan in his first visit as president.

Speaking at an expanded meeting held later, the King commended the deep ties shared by Jordan and the Czech Republic.

“We have a long and strong historical relationship built by His Majesty the late King Hussein…. I know it’s been a while since I’ve been to your country and I greatly appreciate the very kind invitation to visit your country again, and I hope we can do that soon,” he said.

“Your presence here signifies the strong relationship between our two nations and our two peoples. Again, Your Excellency, your warm condolences on the loss of our pilot is something that has touched me and will touch all Jordanians, and I appreciate the warmth of your words in that respect,” His Majesty added.

During the meeting, the King expressed hopes that the Czech president’s visit to Jordan would bolster bilateral ties between the two countries in the economic, health, tourism and defence fields.

His Majesty also called for widening the scope of cooperation and the strategic partnership between the two countries through finding opportunities for further joint ventures.

Talks between the two leaders also tackled the latest regional developments and the terror-eradicating efforts during which the King called for more international support to the radicalism-combating campaign on terrorist gangs that seek to destabilise the region and the world.

Concerning the peace efforts, His Majesty reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian question in Jordanian foreign policy, emphasising that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies at the heart of the region’s struggle.

On the Syrian crisis, the King reiterated Jordan’s unaltered stance which advocates a comprehensive political solution to the ongoing war there that can end the suffering of the Syrian people and safeguard the territorial unity of their war-torn country.

For his part, the Czech president expressed his happiness in visiting Jordan and meeting with His Majsty, stressing his country’s keenness to develop bilateral relations with the Kingdom, which, he said, sets a model as a peacemaker in the region.

Zeman also expressed the Czech Republic’s willingness to expand investment and economic relations with Jordan, stressing the importance for both countries to benefit from their expertise and capabilities in all fields.

He also praised the Jordanian role as a key and important player in the region and the world, referring to the King’s endeavours to achieve world peace and security that contributed to the progress of the Kingdom.

His Majesty presented Zeman with Al Hussein Bin Ali Medal on the occasion of his first visit to the Kingdom.