Jordan, Hungary sign deals to further economic cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday discussed means to boost economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, as well as ways to increase joint investments.

Jordan and Hungary on Monday signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of energy and a cooperation programme on education and science.

During his meeting with Orban, the King said that Jordan will take all necessary steps to boost cooperation with Hungary.

This is in line with the country’s strong relations with the European Union, so that it may extend to the energy and information technology sectors.

The King said the MoU and cooperation agreements signed by the Jordanian and the Hungarian sides and convening a joint business forum during Orban’s visit provides the foundation for a solid partnership between the Jordanian and the Hungarian private sectors.

King Abdullah highlighted the possibility of strengthening cooperation in the fields of tourism, water, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, increasing expertise exchange in relation to nuclear energy and benefitting from central and eastern European experience regarding political and democratic transformation.

The King briefed Orban on the current regional affairs, such as the efforts towards a comprehensive regional peace, the end of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, as well as developments in the Syrian crisis and the ramifications of the violence on Syria’s neighbouring countries.

Orban expressed his appreciation of the King’s efforts to achieve regional peace and stability, his leadership of the Kingdom’s drive towards reform and his commitment to strengthening relations with the EU countries, noting that Hungary is keen on strengthening its cooperation with the Kingdom, which he described as stable and secure.

The meeting, attended by officials from both sides as well as representatives from the private sectors of both countries, was presided over by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and Orban.

Following the meeting, both premiers held a joint press conference where they highlighted their common interest in strengthening trade cooperation between the two countries, as well as the political challenges taking place in the region.

“Hungary has a wide range of expertise in different fields, especially in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We will work together in order to address all obstacles hindering joint cooperation, and will follow up on our meetings today in order to ensure enhanced cooperation between us,” Ensour said, adding that Jordan has an attractive environment for foreign investments due to its stability and security.

“We have discussed the Syrian crisis and the economic burden of the Syrian refugees who have sought a safe haven in the Kingdom due to the ongoing violence in their own country. Jordan is doing its best to accommodate the Syrian refugees because of its ethical and humanitarian responsibilities, but this does not allow the international community to turn a deaf ear and blind eye to the needs of the Syrian people,” Ensour said at the press conference, adding that he explained to the Hungarian delegation the economic challenges facing Jordan as a result of the considerable number of Syrian refugees living in the country.

“Jordan is a role model for other Arabs states due to its success at maintaining security and stability in the midst of a turbulent region…. Our country has managed to implement its reform process and transition into a democratic state in a smooth and peaceful manner,” Ensour added.

Meanwhile, Orban expressed his country’s appreciation of Jordan’s role as a moderate voice in the region, and its efforts to maintain peace and security across the Middle East, adding that Hungary is keen to further its cooperation with the Kingdom.

“Stability is key to attracting investments and we look forward for more cooperation between our two countries. We are willing to share our expertise with Jordan and I will encourage Hungarian businessmen towards more bilateral cooperation at all aspects,” he said.

With regards to the Syrian crisis, Orban said, Hungary, as part of the European Union, seeks to support regional stability. However, the current uncertainty surrounding the future of the Syrian conflict is “preventing Hungary from taking action in the crisis”.

“At present there is no clear partner within Syria to cooperate with. My visit to the region and to Jordan in particular aims to discuss the conflict with political leaders in the region and listen to their assessment of the situation in Syria before we make any decisions,” Orban said.

Jordan and Hungary are bound by several agreements on investment promotion and protection, and on cooperation in the areas of health, transport, water management, culture and scientific research.