Kamarudin's visit to Jordan and Azerbaijan helps strengthen relations

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar paid a working visit to Jordan and Azerbaijan on Jan 15-19 and Jan 21-23 respectively to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields between Malaysia and the two countries.

During his visit to Jordan, Kamarudin had a meeting with his counterpart, Yousef Bataineh.

Among the important issues discussed included strengthening bilateral relations in various fields such as trade, investment, health, education, people-to-people relations, and tourism.

"The two leaders also shared their views on international issues, especially the situation in Palestine," said a statement issued by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) on the visit.

The statement said Kamarudin, while in Jordan, paid a courtesy call on Palestine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Amal Jadou Shaka, with the two exchanging views and opinions on the current situation in Palestine.

"The Palestinians express their appreciation for Malaysia's strong and undivided support in the struggle of the Palestinian people who continue to be victims of the Israeli regime's tyranny," said Wisma Putra.

Malaysia-Jordan bilateral trade volume for 2020 was worth US$146.5 million (RM615.5 million) with imports of US$56.3 million (RM 237.5 million) and exports of US$90.2 million (RM377.9 million).

Meanwhile, while in Azerbaijan, Kamarudin met Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and discussed measures to strengthen bilateral relations in the fields of economy, investment, education, tourism, and people-to-people relations.

"The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues such as Afghanistan and Palestine," said Wisma Putra.

Kamarudin also met with the Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, and the focus of the discussion was on possible efforts to further enhance cooperation in various fields between Malaysia and Azerbaijan.

Malaysia has good bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, with the value of bilateral trade between the two countries in 2020 amounting to RM380.28 million, an export value of RM93.74 million, and an import value of RM286.54 million.

-- BERNAMA