King, Iraqi minister discuss expanding cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Planning Fuad Hussein on Wednesday highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries on various levels. 

Discussions during the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, focused on means to expand cooperation between Amman and Baghdad, especially in the economic, trade, investment, energy and transport sectors, a Royal Court statement said.

Talks on a ministerial-level were held later in the day at the Prime Ministry, during which the two sides discussed the possibility for Jordan to import Iraqi oil at preferential prices, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported (see separate story on page 3). 

His Majesty commended the “success of the political process” in Iraq, stressing the Kingdom’s support to Iraq’s security and stability and of efforts aimed at achieving prosperity in the country, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Iraqi people, according to the statement. 

For his part, Hussein expressed his country’s appreciation for Jordan’s stances in support of Iraq, voicing keenness on expanding economic and trade cooperation with the Kingdom to serve joint interests.

The King also met on Wednesday with US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein to review means of military cooperation between the two countries.

The talks, which were attended by HRH Prince Feisal, focused on efforts in the war against terrorism, according to the Royal Court. 

The Royal Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Pilot Yousef Hneiti and US Chargé d’Affaires Paul Malik also attended the meeting.