Expressing hope for peace and stability in the West Asia region, PM Narendra Modi underlined the significance of efforts to counter terrorism, extremism and radicalisation in a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II.Abdullah conveyed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism and condemned terror in all its forms and manifestations, said an Indian readout. Modi also reaffirmed India’s support for efforts being made to achieve durable peace in the region.Modi arrived in Amman for what is the first full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the country in 37 years. He had in 2018 transited through Jordan on his way to Palestine. The PM is on a three-nation trip to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman. The leaders also discussed efforts to expand cooperation in areas like trade, fertilisers, digital technology and infrastructure.“On Gaza, from the beginning, your role has been active and positive. It is the hope of all of us that peace and stability remain in this region,” said Modi in his opening remarks.According to Jordan, the need to step up the humanitarian response in Gaza and ensure implementation of the agreement to end the war on the Strip was also discussed. “Against terrorism, our shared and clear stance exists. Under your leadership, Jordan has given a strong and strategic message to all of humanity against terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation,” he added.During the restricted meeting earlier, the leaders discussed giving more strength to cooperation in this area, with Modi recalling the king’s participation in 2018, during his India visit, in a conference on Islamic Heritage. “I remember that our first meeting happened in 2015 at an event focused on countering violent extremism on the sidelines of the UN. You had given inspirational remarks on this subject then too. To promote moderation, your efforts are extremely important not just regionally but for global peace as well,” Modi told Abdullah, adding both sides would continue moving forward solidly in this direction together.In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport in Amman, Modi was received by Jordanian PM Jafar Hassan and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan is taking place after a span of 37 years, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, said MEA in a statement.Noting that India was Jordan’s 3rd largest trading partner, Modi proposed the two countries should aim to enhance bilateral trade to US$ 5 billion over next five years. On the sidelines of the visit, govts of Jordan and India are due to sign MoUs on renewable energy and water resource management, a cultural exchange programme, a letter of intent on cooperation in the field of digital transformation, and a twinning agreement between the city of Petra and Ellora Caves site in India.In his departure statement earlier, PM Modi said that India shares both age-old civilisational ties, as well as extensive contemporary bilateral relations, with the countries he’s visiting.
