India, Jordan sign four agreements

New Delhi, Dec 1 (UNI) India and Jordan today signed four agreements for Bilateral Promotion and Protection of Investments and cooperation in agriculture, tourism and cultural exchange.

The pacts were signed here after discussions between visiting Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The discussions between the two leaders focussed on West Asia situation, including the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), and energy and economic cooperation, sources said.

The agreement on agriculture will be in force for five years after which it will be automatically renewed for another five years while the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection agreement will be in force for 10 years.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture was signed between the Agriculture Ministry and the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture. It was signed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Jordanian Trade and Industry Minister Salem Khazaaleh.

The Agreement for Promotion and Protection of Investments was signed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Mr Khazaaleh.

The agreements for Cultural Exchange Programme for 2007-2009 and cooperation and Tourism sector were signed by Tourism and Culture minister Ambika Soni and Mr Khazaaleh.

The Union Cabinet had yesterday approved the signing of the agreements between the two countries.

The Jordanian King, who arrived here yesterday on a four-day state visit, was given a Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan today. He is accompanied by Queens Rania Al Abdullah and a large business delegation.

After the talks with the Prime Minister, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L K Advani called on him.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also called on the Jordanian King and discussed West Asia developments and regional and international situation.

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