Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi met on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, with Vice President and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Panama Isabel Alvarado to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations and means of activating economic cooperation between the two countries.

The two Ministers agreed on the existence of opportunities to expand economic and investment cooperation and emphasized that the two countries will benefit from these opportunities by institutionalizing communication and coordination mechanisms that identify promising sectors of cooperation, especially between the private sector in the two countries.

They stressed that the increase in economic cooperation, which began to be activated after His Majesty King Abdullah II has met with the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela last year, will bring mutual benefits in the light of Jordan's position as a gateway to the region's markets and reconstruction projects.

Safadi and Alvarado signed an agreement to develop tourism cooperation between Jordan and Panama and a memorandum of understanding to frame political consultations.

The meeting also discussed regional developments, as Safadi stressed on the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the need to reach a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinians' rights with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Safadi pointed to the importance of intensifying international efforts aimed at reaching political solutions to regional crises, especially the Syrian crisis.

Safadi and Alvarado agreed to increase coordination and cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, which is a common enemy that must be fought in a holistic manner.

They also stressed on intensifying cooperation in this context through the international coalition to fight against ISIS.

For her part, Alvarado confirmed her country's position in support to the two-state solution, which Safadi stressed was the only way to resolve the conflict.

She also noted to Panama's will to increase cooperation with the Kingdom especially in the fields of investment, trade, tourism, and education.

In addition, she affirmed Panama's appreciation of Jordan's role and His Majesty's efforts in promoting regional security and stability. She also praised the great humanitarian role of the Kingdom in hosting Syrian refugees.

Panama's foreign minister will also be participating with an economic delegation including the minister of industry and finance at the World Economic Forum which will be held in the Dead Sea next week.