They discussed current international issues on an agenda dominated by the fight against terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan. Mr Putin and King Abdullah II said that it was necessary to further resist religious extremism and fundamentalism, and stressed the coincidence of Russian and Jordanian attitudes to the problem.
Mr Putin highly appreciated the Jordanian contribution to the Middle Eastern settlement cause, in which Moscow and Amman were closely co-ordinating their efforts to resume the regional peace process. King Abdullah highlighted Russia’s fundamental role in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed the Iraqi situation. Related problems had come into the foreground with a UN Security Council vote, due December 3, on the provisional prolongation of the oil-for-food programme for another six months.
They also discussed bilateral partnership and the implementation of agreements made during an official visit by King Abdullah II to Russia in August 2001. Mr Putin approved the King’s initiative for the establishment of a bilateral intergovernmental commission.
Mr Putin congratulated all Muslims on Ramadan and wished them happiness, peace and wellbeing. He asked King Abdullah II to pass on his greetings, and stressed the role the King and the Jordanian Royal family were playing in the Muslim world.