Prezident SR - Foto archív The King of Jordan pays the first visit in its history to Slovakia

The King of Jordan pays the first visit in its history to Slovakia

The King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, accepted an invitation from the President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič and paid the first visit in its history to the country.

After the welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace, the King of Jordan signed the guest book and engaged in a discussion with the President Ivan Gašparovič.

At the meeting, the President praised the quality of bilateral relations which were established during the time of the then Czechoslovakia. “We are interested in the strengthening of cooperation in economic areas and trade as well as in culture, science and education,” Ivan Gašparovič said.

The partners also talked about the current issue of the economic crisis, where the Slovak President said that in addition to its negative impacts the crisis “forces the world to increase cooperation on the basis of solidarity.”
The King of Jordan congratulated Ivan Gašparovič on being re-elected as the President. With respect to the economic crisis, the King stressed that it is extremely important for countries to communicate with each other on finding solutions. According to King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, Jordan may be a gateway for Slovak companies to the Arabian market. The King expressed interest in cooperation in manufacturing, tourism, water services, and the exchange of students as well as other areas.

Bilateral trade is at a very low level and both countries offer the potential to improve this situation.
The President presented to his guest possibilities for the development of relations in the area of tourism, where both countries could carry out mutual investments.

Ivan Gašparovič thanked King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein for his efforts exerted in pursuing peace and security in the Middle East. The President was also interested in the King’s opinion on the stabilization issue in this region, as the full participation of Jordan in the NATO Mediterranean Dialogue and its accession to the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative as an observer are a part of it.