King Abdullah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday agreed to expand cooperation between the two countries, mainly in the economic and investment fields. King Abdullah's talks with President Erdogan in Istanbul focused on the "solid" relations between Amman and Ankara, and means to enhance them on all levels, according to a Royal Court statement. During the discussions, attended by senior officials from both countries, the two leaders highlighted the importance of sustaining coordination and consultation between Jordan and Turkey over issues of joint interest and over the latest developments in the Middle East. As for the Palestinian cause, King Abdullah stressed the need to intensify efforts aimed at ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict according to the two-state solution and in a way that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Talks also reiterated the importance of sustaining efforts to support UNRWA and enable it to continue providing aid and education and health services to refugees. The meeting went over the latest developments in the Syrian conflict, with King Abdullah highlighting the importance of reaching a political solution to the crisis, in a way that guarantees the unity of the Syrian territory and people and ensures a safe return of refugees to their homeland. Regional and international efforts exerted in the war against terrorism were also reviewed during the meeting, according to the statement. Also on Saturday, the Turkish president held a dinner banquet in honor of King Abdullah and the accompanying delegation. King Abdullah, accompanied by Queen Rania, is scheduled to head from Turkey to Tunisia for talks with with President Beji Caid Essebsi. — Agencies
