Amman, Prague pin hope on water, tourism sectors to boost ties

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez and Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Czech Parliament Jiri Kobza on Thursday discussed means to enhance Jordanian-Czech ties on various levels.

The meeting also went over the latest regional developments, mainly those pertaining to the Palestinian cause and the Syrian crisis, shedding light on the important role of the EU in empowering Palestinians to realise their legitimate rights and on ending the Syrian crisis, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Fayez commended the “high-level” of bilateral relations in various fields, especially at the political and economic levels.

For his part, Kobza stressed that his country seeks to enhance relations with Jordan, referring to water desalination and tourism as main fields for cooperation between Amman and Prague. 

He also commended His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts in reaching regional peace and security.

Also on Thursday, President of the Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee MP Nidal Taani met with the Czech parliamentarian and said that Jordan has “unaltered stances” towards regional issues. 

Taani commended the Czech stance not to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, stressing that just and comprehensive peace in the region is the key to ending the Arab-Israeli conflict, according to Petra.

He also reviewed the challenges facing the Kingdom, mainly the refugee influx that has directly affected the infrastructure and the quality of services presented to the population, referring to King Abdullah’s directives  aiming to integrate refugees in society until they voluntarily decide to return to their home countries.  

Kobza said that the recent Israeli statements have to be considered seriously until the end of the Israeli elections, stressing his country’s stance that all peoples have the right to live in peace without any further escalations. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently announced intentions to impose Israeli authority over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea regions, and to annex Israeli settlements built illegally on occupied Palestinian lands.

Also meeting with the Czech lawmaker, head of the Jordanian-Czech Parliamentary Friendship Association MP Khalid Bakkar called for enhancing commercial exchange, especially since the Czech Republic needs Jordanian raw materials like phosphate and potash for glass and crystal industries, Petra reported.

Bakkar said that Jordan has paid a “high price” in the war against terrorism and received several refugee influxes, where refugees now amount to some 25 per cent of the total population of the Kingdom.

He added that the association would recommend the government to open an embassy in Prague to help widen the the scope of cooperation, and Kobza welcomed the idea, describing it as a step forward to boost ties at all levels.