Amman, May 24 (Petra) – Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi received Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto on Sunday in the first visit by a Venezuelan foreign minister to the Kingdom in over 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Safadi and Gil held extensive talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a range of sectors.

The two ministers agreed to coordinate with relevant ministries in both countries to identify practical steps to enhance cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, pharmaceuticals, culture, information technology and tourism.

Safadi and Gil signed four agreements and memoranda of understanding covering agricultural cooperation, the establishment of a joint committee for cooperation, the creation of a political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries and academic cooperation between the diplomatic institutes of both countries.

The top diplomats agreed to finalise agreements on the avoidance of double taxation, investment protection and visa exemptions as soon as possible.

In a joint press conference, Safadi said the Venezuelan foreign minister's visit marks "a new beginning" for broader cooperation, stressing that both countries share a strong political will to deepen ties and pursue opportunities that serve their mutual interests.

"There is much work to be done in the coming period, and we are confident that we will achieve significant progress that benefits both countries and creates broader opportunities for cooperation," Safadi said.

On regional developments, Safadi said the two sides discussed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore security and stability in the region.

"We support these [de-escalation] efforts and stress the importance of collective action to ensure their success, overcome the current crisis and address the root causes of tension in a way that restores calm, security and stability," he said.

Safadi praised Venezuela's support for the two-state solution.

Gil, in turn, said Venezuela is committed to expanding economic and trade cooperation with Jordan in pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, transport and trade.

He emphasised his country's interest in benefiting from Jordanian expertise and increasing the presence of Jordanian companies in the Venezuelan market.

"Venezuela is the gateway to South America and the Caribbean, while Jordan plays a vital and influential role in this region. We hope to expand cooperation in all fields," Gil said, noting the presence of a large Arab community in Venezuela and Jordan's potential contribution to Venezuelan economic development.

"We seek Jordanian technology and services, and we hope Jordan will play a role in supporting these efforts. Our economies complement one another," he added.

Gil congratulated the Kingdom on its 80th Independence Day and conveyed greetings and congratulations from Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

Safadi had visited the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on February 20 in the first visit by a Jordanian foreign minister to Venezuela, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and continue consultations on expanding ties in various fields.

//Petra// AK