Jordan, Hungarian leaders discuss regional, int'l developments

AMMAN, Nov 6 (MENA) - King Abdullah II held talks with visiting Hungarian President Janos Ader at Al Husseiniya Palace on Monday that focused on Jordanian-Hungarian ties as well as current regional and international developments, said Petra news agency.

During a bilateral meeting attended by the Hungarian president's spouse, followed by expanded talks, the king welcomed the visit of the Hungarian president, adding that the visit will contribute to further developing bilateral ties.

King Abdullah II said that political and security ties are progressively developing between the two countries, noting that there is a major opportunity to also advance economic ties between Jordan and Hungary.

The king said that talks also dealt with educational cooperation between the two countries and means to increase the number of scholarships offered to Jordanian students.

The discussions, he added, also touched on enhancing cooperation in the agricultural, engineering and medical services aspects.

The Hungarian president for his part, voiced his keenness to strengthen relations with Jordan to serve the interests of both countries. He also extended an invitation to the monarch to visit Hungary.

He also praised efforts exerted by Jordan to provide services to the refugees as well as the Kingdom's endeavours towards combating terrorism and achieving peace.

President Ader highlighted the role played by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah II to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

The talks which continued over a banquet attended by senior officials from both countries, also dealt with means to forge closer ties between Jordan and Hungary, mainly in the economic and military fields.

The discussions also focused on cooperation between the two countries in the agriculture, water and higher education fields.

The king and the Hungarian president also reviewed the increasing burden shouldered by Jordan as a result of hosting Syrian refugees. Both leaders urged the international community to meet its obligations toward refugees' host countries, mainly Jordan, to enable them to continue their humanitarian and relief services to the refugees.

The king and President Ader also discussed the latest regional developments and affirmed the need to find political solutions to regional crises.

Talks also dealt with the peace process and efforts to re-launch negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution.