UPDATE 3 - Erdogan says took 'important decisions' with King Abdullah to strenghten Türkiye-Jordan ties

UPDATES WITH JORDAN’S KING STATEMENTS

By Koray Tasdemir and Ekrem Biceroglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye and Jordan will strengthen the friendship between the two countries, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday as he met King Abdullah in Istanbul, who arrived on an official visit.

Erdogan welcomed the Jordanian monarch at the Dolmabahce Palace, where the two held a one-on-one meeting, followed by talks between their delegations.

The meeting was also attended by Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin, and presidential adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic.

Following the one-on-one meeting, Erdogan was awarded the Order of Al Hussein bin Ali, the highest order of the Kingdom of Jordan. According to the Royal Hashemite Court, it was "in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the deep historical ties and distinguished relations between the two countries."

“In today’s meetings with my dear brother, King Abdullah of Jordan, we made important decisions that will strengthen the friendship between our two countries,” Erdogan said in remarks after receiving the honor.

Erdogan said he and King Abdullah share a common view on the need for peace, security and stability across the region, and expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts in safeguarding the holy sites in East Jerusalem.

He also expressed his pleasure and gratitude at receiving the award, saying he sees it as a “concrete manifestation of the deep historical ties” between the two countries.

“I believe that this exceptional order will further strengthen our long-standing brotherhood and friendship," he said.

- Friendship and brotherhood

King Abdullah highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to reduce regional tensions and to safeguard the sovereignty of all countries.

“We remain committed to working with you for a more peaceful Middle East,” he said.

He said the award presented to Erdogan symbolizes the friendship and brotherhood between Jordan and Türkiye.

“It is an expression of appreciation for the decades of cooperation between our nations. I hope it will also serve as a symbol of our commitment to continue advancing our relations and serving our peoples and our region,” he added.

King Abdullah said the “highly productive” meeting with Erdogan represented an important step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, industry, education, transportation and defense fields.

Before departing the palace, the two leaders held an official dinner.

*Writing by Kanyshai Butun