Jordan, Uzbekistan announce visa-free travel for citizens

Jordan and Uzbekistan today issued a joint statement following expanded talks between King Abdullah II and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Read more: King Abdullah expresses gratitude to Uzbek President after talks

Enhancing Bilateral Partnership

The two leaders confirmed their commitment to deepening relations in political, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian fields. To facilitate this, they signed 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding, including:

• Mutual visa exemption: To ease travel for citizens and businesspeople.
• Investment protection: To encourage and protect mutual investments.
• Cooperation in key sectors: Agreements were signed for cooperation in higher education, tourism, agriculture, and air services.
• Establishment of a joint committee: To oversee the implementation of the new agreements.

Economically, the leaders agreed to accelerate cooperation and activate a joint trade council to boost direct business ties. Priority sectors for collaboration were identified as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, and modern technology.

Unified Stance on Gaza

On political matters, the statement underscored a complete convergence of views on regional issues. King Abdullah II and President Mirziyoyev called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and an end to the humanitarian suffering. They also emphasized the indispensable role of UNRWA and called for increased political and financial support for the agency.

The leaders affirmed that the two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only path to a just and lasting peace. Both leaders urged international action against "illegal Israeli actions that undermine the two-state solution, including settlement activities."

The leaders also stressed the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo of Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, with Mirziyoyev specifically acknowledging the significance of the historic Hashemite custodianship.