Tashkent: Senate President Faisal Fayez emphasized the necessity of executing the agreements and cooperation protocols established with Uzbekistan during King Abdullah II's visit to the country in August. These agreements focus on mutual investment, economic partnerships, tourism, aviation, customs cooperation, higher education, scientific research, and religious affairs.
According to Jordan News Agency, Fayez's remarks came during discussions in Tashkent on Wednesday with Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate, and Nuriddinjon Ismailov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber. These talks were part of an official visit led by Fayez at the invitation of the Uzbek Senate. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relationships and exploring further cooperation across various sectors, as well as developments in the Middle East.
Fayez proposed creating a joint governmental committee to monitor and coordinate bilateral cooperation. He also suggested forming a joint Jordanian-Uzbek business council to encourage direct interaction between the business sectors of both countries. Additionally, he advocated for increased tourism exchange and the activation of the Uzbek-Jordanian trade council to support mutual interests.
Fayez stressed the importance of opening the Uzbek market to Jordanian industries, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, phosphate, potash, fertilizers, and digital services. He also called for facilitating Jordanian exports to Central Asian markets through Uzbekistan. Highlighting the recent progress in bilateral relations, especially after the King's visit, Fayez reiterated the Senate's commitment to strengthening ties in political, economic, investment, cultural, and parliamentary areas.
Regarding regional issues, Fayez referred to conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian situation. He condemned Israel's policies but welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement, urging international support for its implementation. Fayez rejected any solutions that compromise Jordan's national principles, such as the idea of Jordan as an alternative homeland for Palestinians, and condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Fayez appreciated Uzbekistan's support for King Abdullah II's peace initiatives, which emphasize a two-state solution as the only path to security and stability in the region. He also acknowledged Uzbekistan's backing of the Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem's holy sites and Jordan's efforts in promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
Uzbek officials praised King Abdullah II's role in resolving the Middle East conflict and restoring regional stability. They expressed a desire for deeper cooperation with Jordan, focusing on activating bilateral agreements and supporting the two-state solution. The officials emphasized the importance of opening all crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and proposed parliamentary friendship committees to enhance economic and investment cooperation.
The talks concluded with Fayez and Norbaeva signing a memorandum of understanding between the two councils. This MoU aims to strengthen cooperation through parliamentary exchanges, legislative expertise sharing, and coordination on international issues of mutual interest.