His Majesty King Abdullah II met with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana on Wednesday for talks on building closer ties between the two countries, Petra News Agency reported.

The King is in Kazakhstan for a two day official visit and will be discussing a number of issues with President Nazarbayev, including economic and trade cooperation as well as the security situation in the Middle East.

King Abdullah praised Kazakhstan for its contribution to international affairs and conflict resolution. Syria’s warring sides are currently meeting in Astana in the latest of a series of Russian-sponsored peace talks held in Kazakhstan.

In turn, President Nazabayev thanked Jordan for its contribution to the Syria peace process: "Your country also takes an active part in the Astana process. Jordan has accepted more than one million Syrian refugees, you are providing financial and humanitarian assistance to Syria. I think that the whole world should appreciate this," he said.

His Royal Highness Prince Ali was sworn in as regent for the duration of the King’s visit to Kazakhstan.