Welcome to the page of the Official Visit to Jordan

Within the framework of mutual goodwill and determination to further develop the friendly relations between Jordan and Portugal in all fields, the parties have agreed to strengthen and diversify their economic, trade and cultural relations as well as political coordination.

Bilateral Cooperation:

As a means to achieve this goal, the parties agreed to explore the different possibilities offered by both the bilateral cooperation and the Jordan-EU Association Agreement.

The parties welcome the signing today of bilateral agreements in the field of tourism cooperation, economic cooperation, a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation and the Agreement on Enhancing Bilateral Investment and Economic Relations.

The parties have also agreed to study the possibility of signing agreements in the fields of investment promotion and protection, security cooperation and civil protection.

Portugal and Jordan had the opportunity to reiterate their commitment to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and in that sense welcomed the progress achieved during the Portuguese Presidency of the EU.

Jordan attaches considerable importance to the European Neighborhood Policy and, in this context, is set to fully implement the jointly agreed EU-Jordan Action Plan.

Jordan expressed its appreciation for the leading role Portugal plays within the EU and for the significant support and assistance provided to Jordan in capacity building, education and major developmental and infrastructure projects.

Portugal commended Jordan for its reform efforts and the successful model of development it sets for the region.

The parties agreed to encourage cooperation between the private sectors in both countries as an essential pillar of advancing the bilateral economic relationship.

The parties welcomed the visit by a business delegation from Portugal accompanying the President and look forward to establishing the Joint Business Council in the near future, namely by encouraging contacts between the business leaders of both countries.

The parties were encouraged by successful examples of Jordanian private sector investment in the Pharmaceuticals sector in Portugal. Construction, energy, healthcare, technology and textiles were identified as other sectors with a full potential for investment and for joint ventures in the future.

Regional Cooperation:

The parties will also work to enhance cooperation on regional and international issues of common concern, notably the Middle East Peace Process, Lebanon and Iraq.

In this context, the parties welcomed the start of negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian officials on all outstanding issues, with a view to concluding a peace agreement before the end of 2008, leading to the establishment of an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbors. They emphasized that both parties to the conflict are responsible for adhering to their obligations under the Road Map as specified at the Annapolis Peace Conference.

Portugal and Jordan reaffirmed their commitment to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, consistent with the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference and its principles, including land for peace and based on the relevant UNSC resolutions and the Road Map, as well as building on the Arab Peace Initiative.

Jordan and Portugal also stressed the importance of continued international and Arab support for the peace process, especially as the parties proceed to final status negotiations. Both parties expressed their commitment to work closely together and through international institutions towards that objective.

The two sides expressed their mutual appreciation for the efforts to support peace, stability and security in the Middle East.

Both parties have restated their concern over the continuous absence of a presidential election in Lebanon, recalling the importance of guaranteeing the country's stability as an important step to achieve regional peace and stability. In this context, they further expressed their support for Lebanon's sovereignty and commended the Arab League's efforts to resolve the existing political differences.

In this context, Jordan and Portugal highlighted the relevant role played by UNIFIL and welcomed the prolongation of the Force's mandate for another year.

Jordan and Portugal stressed their commitment to Iraq's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, underlining the importance of inclusive national reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and its neighbors in order to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Iraq.

Both parties expressed their condemnation of all terrorist activities and their commitment to intensifying their cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism.


Amman, 17 February 2008