Amman, May 24 (Petra) – Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs
Ayman Safadi received Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto on
Sunday in the first visit by a Venezuelan foreign minister to the
Kingdom in over 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Safadi and Gil held extensive talks focused on strengthening
bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a range of
sectors.

The two ministers agreed to coordinate with relevant ministries in
both countries to identify practical steps to enhance cooperation in
agriculture, energy, investment, pharmaceuticals, culture,
information technology and tourism.

Safadi and Gil signed four agreements and memoranda of understanding
covering agricultural cooperation, the establishment of a joint
committee for cooperation, the creation of a political consultation
mechanism between the two foreign ministries and academic cooperation
between the diplomatic institutes of both countries.

The top diplomats agreed to finalise agreements on the avoidance of
double taxation, investment protection and visa exemptions as soon as
possible.

In a joint press conference, Safadi said the Venezuelan foreign
minister’s visit marks “a new beginning” for broader cooperation,
stressing that both countries share a strong political will to deepen
ties and pursue opportunities that serve their mutual interests.

“There is much work to be done in the coming period, and we are
confident that we will achieve significant progress that benefits
both countries and creates broader opportunities for cooperation,”
Safadi said.

On regional developments, Safadi said the two sides discussed ongoing
efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore security and stability in
the region.

“We support these [de-escalation] efforts and stress the importance
of collective action to ensure their success, overcome the current
crisis and address the root causes of tension in a way that restores
calm, security and stability,” he said.

Safadi praised Venezuela’s support for the two-state solution.

Gil, in turn, said Venezuela is committed to expanding economic and
trade cooperation with Jordan in pharmaceuticals, information
technology, agriculture, transport and trade.

He emphasised his country’s interest in benefiting from Jordanian
expertise and increasing the presence of Jordanian companies in the
Venezuelan market.

“Venezuela is the gateway to South America and the Caribbean, while
Jordan plays a vital and influential role in this region. We hope to
expand cooperation in all fields,” Gil said, noting the presence of a
large Arab community in Venezuela and Jordan’s potential contribution
to Venezuelan economic development.

“We seek Jordanian technology and services, and we hope Jordan will
play a role in supporting these efforts. Our economies complement one
another,” he added.

Gil congratulated the Kingdom on its 80th Independence Day and
conveyed greetings and congratulations from Venezuelan Acting
President Delcy Rodríguez.

Safadi had visited the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on February 20 in
the first visit by a Jordanian foreign minister to Venezuela, where
both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and continue
consultations on expanding ties in various fields.

//Petra// AK