King holds talks with Hungarian president

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and global developments with Hungarian President  János Áder.

In remarks welcoming President Áder during expanded talks that were attended by the Hungarian president’s wife Anita Herczegh and held following bilateral talks, King Abdullah said the visit marks an improved stage of relations between Jordan and Hungary, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King said he had the distinct pleasure of visiting Hungary almost 10 years ago, and the two countries have continued to exchange visits and build on their ties.

Highlighting opportunities to expand partnerships for the mutual benefit of the two countries, His Majesty added that the political and security ties are improving all the time, in addition to the many synergies that allow economic cooperation to be enhanced.

The King said discussions held earlier on Monday also covered education and the potential of Hungary increasing scholarships for Jordanian students.

Education, His Majesty said, is a tremendous building block of bridges between the two nations, pointing out agriculture, engineering and medical services as other areas for cooperation.

The King voiced hope that further discussions will lead to identifying other key areas where the two countries can further strengthen their relationship.

For his part, Áder expressed his delight for visiting Jordan and meeting with His Majesty, saying he is looking forward to building on the current ties for the benefit of both countries.

The president said he was honoured that the King accepted his invitation to visit his home country and expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts and achievements.

Áder said that everyone, with no exception, recognises what Jordan has provided to the Syrian refugees, who fled to the Kingdom in large numbers, in addition to efforts in combating terrorism and establishing peace.

He noted the pivotal role of the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty, in achieving stability and peace in the region.

The president said his country always calls on the EU to increase support to the refugees, stressing that what Jordan provides for the refugees is “unprecedented”.

These facts make it a must for the EU to increase support to Jordan, he continued.

During the expanded talks, which continued over a working lunch  attended by senior officials from both countries, the King and the president discussed advancing cooperation, especially in economic and military fields.

On the Palestinian issue and efforts to resume peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution, the King said the absence of a just and lasting solution would fuel extremism and undermine efforts to achieve stability and security in the region.

The King and the Hungarian president also reviewed regional and international efforts in combating terrorism within a holistic approach.  

On Syria, they stressed the importance of building on the Astana talks to reach a political solution within the Geneva process.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs and the visiting delegation’s Escort of Honour Musa Maaytah, Jordan’s Non-resident Ambassador to Hungary Hussam Al Husseini, Hungary’s Ambassador to Jordan Csaba Czibere, and the president’s accompanying delegation attended the talks.

Earlier, His Majesty had received the Hungarian president and first lady in an official welcoming ceremony at Al Husseiniya Palace.

Also on Monday, Mulki met with President Áder, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, Mulki and the president stressed the importance of forming committees for joint action to enhance cooperation.

Mulki noted that Jordan boasts “advanced” relations with regional countries, which can be capitalised on to enhance trade and investment opportunities.

During a separate meeting with the Hungarian president, Senate President Faisal Fayez said that Jordan faces economic challenges due to hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees.

Fayez thanked Hungary for supporting the Kingdom, especially by working with the EU to secure more aid to Jordan.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh also met with President Áder and discussed issues of mutual concern.

Áder outlined his country’s experience with the World Bank and dealing with the burdens of internal and external public debt, according to Petra.