Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia and Jordan are committed to enhancing their bilateral relations through strategic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, technology, and defense.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the visit by Jordan's King Abdullah II signifies a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have spanned over six decades. Despite the longstanding ties, high-level visits have been infrequent, making King Abdullah II's visit particularly significant.

During a meeting at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and King Abdullah II identified several areas with potential for cooperation. These include the semiconductor industry, phosphate supplies, defense, and tourism. Jordan expressed interest in Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem and potential technology transfer.

The discussions also covered expanding defense industry cooperation and sourcing phosphate from Jordan for Malaysia's fertilizer industry, particularly for oil palm plantations. Additionally, Jordan could act as a strategic gateway for Malaysian companies entering the US, Canadian, and EU markets due to its free trade agreements with these regions.

King Abdullah II proposed reinstating direct flights between Amman and Kuala Lumpur to enhance people-to-people connections and boost tourism. Education remains a vital area of cooperation, with over 2,000 Malaysian students currently studying in Jordan.

To ensure these discussions lead to actionable initiatives, Mohamad plans to visit Amman next year for further bilateral negotiations, engaging with relevant agencies and ministries to develop a comprehensive package of initiatives.