Oman:- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jordan on Monday, where his two-day visit is aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties with the Arab country. In a special gesture symbolizing the close ties between the two countries, Modi was accorded a warm welcome at the airport by Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan.
Modi said in a post on social media, “I am grateful to the Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr. Jaafar Hassan, for the warm welcome at the airport in Oman. I am sure that this visit will give a boost to the bilateral relations between our countries.” It is worth noting that this full bilateral visit to Jordan is taking place after 37 years, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Jordan is the first leg of Modi's four-day visit, which will also take him to Ethiopia and Oman.
"It is an honour to welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of India @narendramodi as a valued guest in Jordan today, a visit that reflects the close and enduring ties that have existed for the past 75 years," the Jordanian Prime Minister said in a post on social media.
"We look forward to further cooperation between our two countries in the areas of economy, investment and technology," he added. When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian community. He shook hands and interacted with them. Local artists performed traditional Indian dances, reflecting India's cultural heritage.
Later today, Modi will hold one-on-one talks with King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, followed by a delegation-level meeting. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister and the King will address an India-Jordan trade event in the presence of leading businessmen from both countries.
Subject to weather conditions, the Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Jordan and is scheduled to visit the historic city of Petra, which shares ancient trade links with the Crown Prince. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this is Prime Minister Modi's first full bilateral visit to Jordan. Modi had earlier visited Jordan in February 2018 on his way to Palestine.
The Ministry of External Affairs had said in a special briefing in New Delhi last week, "Although it was a transit visit, the extraordinary hospitality extended to him by His Majesty the King made it more than just a transit visit... The current full bilateral visit (by an Indian Prime Minister) is taking place after a gap of 37 years."
India and Jordan have strong economic ties, with New Delhi being Amman's third largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at $2.8 billion.
Jordan is also a major supplier of fertilizers, especially phosphates and potash, to India. The Arab country is home to a vibrant Indian community of over 17,500 people, who work in sectors such as textiles, construction and manufacturing.