Canberra:His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan engaged in talks with Australia's Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, focusing on enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries and addressing recent developments in the region.
According to Jordan News Agency, the discussions highlighted the strong ties that have existed for over 50 years, with an emphasis on strengthening cooperation in education, trade, and private-sector investments in energy, infrastructure, technology, and mining. King Abdullah expressed appreciation for Australia's support in key sectors and its role in aiding Gaza relief efforts through the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation.
The King also underscored Jordan's commitment to boosting tourism between the two nations, particularly in light of the 2030 millennium celebrations, marking two thousand years since the baptism of Jesus Christ. This event is seen as an opportunity to attract Australians interested in religious tourism to visit Jordan, including the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan).
King Abdullah addressed regional developments, calling for increased international efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore stability across Arab countries. He commended Australia's supportive stance toward achieving regional peace and highlighted concerns over Israel's ongoing actions against Palestinians and the potential exploitation of regional situations by the Israeli government to alter realities in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza.
The talks also covered the situations in Syria and Lebanon, stressing the need to support their security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Governor-General Mostyn expressed pride in the depth of Australian-Jordanian relations and her commitment to expanding them, recognizing Jordan's efforts in promoting stability and its humanitarian contributions.
An official welcoming ceremony took place for King Abdullah at Australia's Government House in Canberra, where he also signed the guestbook. The talks were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan's Ambassador to Australia Janti Kalajoqa.