Lower House Speaker, Canada Senate Speaker discuss ties

AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi and Canadian Senate Speaker George Furey met to discuss means to enhance relations between their respective countries, particularly in terms of parliamentary affairs.

Jordanian-Canadian relations are “deeply rooted”, Safadi said, noting that the two countries share common positions and sustain a mutual keenness to maintain cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

His Majesty King Abdullah visited Canada less than a month ago, marking His Majesty's sixth visit to the country since his Accession to the Throne in 1999, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two friendly countries, Safadi said.

The House Speaker also stressed the importance of developing trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. 

Safadi also expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for Canada's positions, and particularly its support for the two-state solution and its continued efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and to halt all provocative, unilateral actions that undermine the two-state solution.

He also expressed his gratitude for Canada's stance in support of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, preserving the historical status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Safadi also referred to the depth of partnership between Jordan and Canada in the war on terrorism, stressing the importance of continuing efforts to fight extremism and terrorism, and continuing to participate in the international coalition against Daesh to ensure the terror group’s total defeat.

The war on terrorism requires an effort to confront it not only militarily but also intellectually, culturally and socially, he added.

Furey affirmed the "deep-rooted" historical relations between Jordan and Canada, noting that King Abdullah has paid several visits to Canada, during which he met with officials and stressed the need for cooperation in spreading peace, the fight against terrorism and expanding trade. 

Canadians recognise the need for a peaceful and just solution to the Palestinian issue, Furey said, reiterating his country's support for the Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Furey also expressed his appreciate for Jordan’s efforts to provide “significant and costly” support to Syrian refugees and other vulnerable groups, providing education, healthcare and other services towards a dignified life, despite the Kingdom’s limited resources and challenges.

He also referred to the importance of continuously working towards increased bilateral trade and closer economic cooperation to the benefit of both countries.