Jordan, Russia want Palestinian state, sign oil deal

Jan 19, 2011, 15:25 GMT

Amman - The leaders of Jordan and Russia on Wednesday vowed to work together to achieve an independent Palestinian state and boosted cooperation in the energy sector.

'I have told my Palestinian friends that the eventual target will be the establishment of a modern, unified and sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital,' Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in remarks before starting talks with King Abdullah II.

Medvedev on Tuesday visited the West Bank town of Jericho, where he met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and called on Israel to stop building more settlements in Palestinian territories.

'Russia, as one of the sponsors of the Middle East process, will remain committed to the achievement of durable peace and is aware of its special responsibility in this respect,' Medvedev said.

Abdullah, for his part, expressed appreciation for Moscow's 'important and pivotal role, as well as its support for efforts aimed at achieving the two-state solution'.

The two leaders also discussed means of boosting bilateral cooperation, particularly in the nuclear and energy spheres, a royal court statement said.

Their ministers of energy signed a memorandum of understanding allowing for the exploration of Jordan's vast oil fields by Russian firms.

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