The prime ministers of Jordan and Lebanon have taken part in discussions to boost bilateral cooperation, according to official sources.
Jordanian Prime Minister Bishr Khasawneh on Thursday, September 30, met his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati to reportedly discuss ties and means to boost cooperation in various fields.
Khasawneh underlined Jordan’s support, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, for Lebanon to overcome ongoing challenges, especially in the economic and energy fields.
The prime minister also pointed to the relations that bind the two countries and peoples, highlighting Jordan’s commitment to enhancing joint cooperation in all fields.
He noted that Jordan, Egypt, and Syria have stepped forward to expedite the supply of Egyptian natural gas to Lebanon through Jordanian and Syrian territories.
Jordan, he added, was also willing to export electricity to Lebanon.
Khasawneh and Mikati agreed that work teams from the two countries would discuss steps and executive mechanisms to increase cooperation in the fields of trade exchange, agriculture, and energy.
The two officials also looked into the possibility of Jordan providing Lebanon with a part of its pharmaceutical needs and facilitating the process of registering some types of medicines in the Lebanese market.
The two officials agreed to hold meetings between the Jordanian-Lebanese joint higher committee soon, pointing to a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding that need to be ratified by the committee.
They also discussed the regional situation and the repercussions of Syrian refugees on the two countries, the largest Syrian refugee-hosting countries, amid a decline in international support.
Khasawneh underscored that the region’s interest lies in a secure and stable Lebanon as an active member in the area.
For his part, Mikati lauded Jordan’s supportive positions of Lebanon during various challenges. He pointed out that a 2005 decision to cancel entry visas to both countries has promoted integration.
In joint press statements following the expanded talks, Khasawneh said Jordan would not hold back any of its capabilities to address Lebanon’s needs.