Modi starts 3 nation tour with Jordan visit, set to hold talks with king Abdullah II

NEW DELHI, Dec 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jordan's Amman on Monday afternoon as he kicked off his three-nation tour, which will also include visits to Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman - all countries with which India shares age-old civilisational ties as well as extensive contemporary bilateral relations.

In a special gesture, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport as he arrived in the country on a two-day visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.

During the visit, PM Modi will hold discussions with the Jordanian King, during which both leaders are expected to review the entire gamut of India-Jordan relations and exchange perspectives on regional issues.

The visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to further strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability.

"This historic visit will mark 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. During my visit, I will hold detailed discussions with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and H.E. Mr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan, and will also look forward to engagements with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. In Amman, I will also meet the vibrant Indian community who have made significant contributions to India-Jordan relations," PM Modi said in his departure statement earlier in the day.

This is Prime Minister Modi's first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan - he had earlier transited through the country in February 2018 while on his way to the State of Palestine.

"Even though it was a transit visit, exceptional courtesies were accorded to him by His Majesty the King, making it more than just a transit visit. The current full bilateral visit is taking place after an interval of 37 years. India and Jordan share warm and friendly relations marked by mutual trust and goodwill. The relationship spans sectors including political, economic, defence, and strong people-to-people ties," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra said ahead of the Prime Minister's visit.    �"Z NEWS