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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Your Majesty, I am very glad to meet with you again.
Our two countries have very good relations. You regularly visit Russia, and we meet in other formats as well. I think it is important to develop good relations between our countries and peoples.
And naturally our countries assume a very serious responsibility in the resolution of a number of regional issues, especially as regards the Middle East problem. Of course we consult on a regular basis and I am very pleased that your visit is taking place now, at the beginning of 2010, because I have already been engaged in consultations and I would like to compare notes with you on various issues in the Middle East.
We have bilateral issues to discuss as well: we have joint economic projects, we cooperate in the defence sector, and there is humanitarian cooperation too. I would like to thank you separately for the decision you made in relation to accepting and supporting Russian pilgrims who visit Jordan. I would like to cordially welcome you once again and wish you a successful sojourn in our country.
King Abdullah II of Jordan: Thank you, Mr President. It is a great honour for me to be back here in Moscow and to see you again.
As you pointed out, Sir, we take the special relations between our two countries with great seriousness. And every time that I have the pleasure of meeting you, we can only report that the relations between our two countries are getting better and better. So I am very happy about our political relationship.
On the economic level we have made great strides but I am here today in Moscow because I believe that there are more opportunities for trade and opportunities between your country and mine, Sir.
And again, as you mentioned, the role that you have played historically in our region, with all the conflicts and challenges that we have, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian issue. And we look forward to Russia’s continuing support in bringing the Israelis and Palestinians together, especially in the light of the setbacks that we have seen recently on the issue of settlements.
So I am here to exchange with my colleague and listen to your views, and your advice. And again, the active participation of your country in our region is one that we all look forward to, and one of tremendous positive elements in our region.
So thank you for having me back in Moscow to see you.
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