Jordan, Venezuela agree on roadmap for economic cooperation

By Laith Al-jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) – Jordan and Venezuela have agreed to develop a roadmap identifying available and promising areas of economic cooperation, while also reviewing regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The agreement came during separate meetings between Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, as well as Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, during an undeclared working visit by Safadi to the capital, Caracas.

According to a statement issued Saturday by Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, Rodríguez received Safadi on Friday, during which he conveyed King Abdullah II’s keenness to further develop relations between the two countries.

Rodríguez, in turn, affirmed Venezuela’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties across various fields, the statement said.

The discussions also addressed opportunities to enhance cooperation in several economic sectors, in addition to regional and international issues of common concern.

Safadi later held expanded talks with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil on ways to boost cooperation in key sectors including energy, oil and gas, tourism, culture, trade and investment, according to the statement.

The two ministers also discussed regional and international developments and stressed the importance of joint efforts to promote regional and global security and stability.

Safadi and Gil agreed to develop a clear roadmap identifying priority economic sectors, mechanisms for cooperation and steps to expedite the signing of necessary bilateral agreements to advance relations.

They also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to institutionalize regular meetings aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry announced Friday evening that Safadi had arrived in Caracas for a working visit.

* Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.