Modi meets Jordanian king on first day of tour
AMMAN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jordan’s king Abdullah II on Friday.
Modi arrived in the Jordanian capital on the first leg of his tour of three west Asian countries, including Palestine.
“Had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. Our discussions today (Friday) will give great strength to India-Jordan bilateral relations,” Modi tweeted after meeting the king.
During the meeting, Modi is said to have told the Abdullah he is looking forward to the king’s visit to India later in February.
King Abdullah, meanwhile, described the meeting as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties. “The prime minister expressed sincere thanks for the logistical support extended for smooth facilitation for his Palestine visit,” Raveesh Kumar, ministry of external affairs spokesperson, said.
“... PM @narendramodi had a very cordial meeting with His Majesty King of Jordan immediately upon arrival in Amman. In a gracious and personal gesture, the King invited Prime Minister Modi to his residence for the meeting,” Kumar tweeted. Modi was received by Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki. This is Modi’s first visit to Jordan and also the first visit by an Indian PM in 30 years. Both nations enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950.
On Saturday, Modi will leave for Palestine where he is scheduled to hold discussions with President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirm India’s support for Palestine. Modi will be the first-ever Indian prime minister to visit the country. He will then leave for the UAE for a two-day tour. He will hold meetings with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice-president and PM of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. On the last leg of his trip, Modi would travel to Oman from February 11-12.