Azerbaijan, July 13 (Petra) -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Monday commended His Majesty King Abdullah II for supporting efforts to advance peace in the Middle East as Azerbaijan opened the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, held under the theme "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust." Aliyev also highlighted the strong relations between Jordan and Azerbaijan and their shared positions on strengthening solidarity among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), whose 16th summit Azerbaijan will chair and host in Baku.

Aliyev referred to his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Ayman Safadi, in Baku, where the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in the economy, energy and investment. The meeting also resulted in the signing of several bilateral agreements, including a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement.

He said Azerbaijan's policy has consistently focused on promoting cooperation and addressing issues of mutual concern with neighboring countries, while also advancing its national priorities.

Aliyev added that Azerbaijan is continuing to expand infrastructure linked to regional transport and connectivity networks, noting the growing importance of the country's geographical location in recent years.

The two-day forum has brought together around 160 journalists and media officials from 53 countries.

Jordan is taking part with a delegation headed by Zaid Al-Nawaiseh, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Government Communication, including representatives from the Jordan News Agency (Petra) and the daily newspapers Al Rai and Ad-Dustour.

//Petra//WH