OREANDA-NEWS. January 20, 2011. Official talks between Dmitry Medvedev and King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan were held in Amman.

Dmitry Medvedev and HM Abdullah II exchanged views on a wide range of issues in global politics focusing on the Middle East peace process and the situation in Iraq and Lebanon.

During the talks, particular attention was given to strengthening and broadening bilateral trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in energy, including nuclear energy. In May 2009, Russia and Jordan signed an agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Russia applied for being contracted to build a nuclear power plant to be launched in 2018.

Other subjects of discussion were fight against terrorism and religious extremism, and measures to overcome the global financial and economic crisis.

Following the talks, the President of Russia visited the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ historical and religious sanctuary on the Jordan River, where he performed ablution and toured the pilgrimage centre for pilgrims from Russia currently under construction. The centre is located on a plot of land which on the King of Jordan’s initiative was in 2006 transferred to Russia for unlimited use. The pilgrimage centre will include a hotel for pilgrims, a Russian Orthodox cathedral, a refectory and a reception house. The construction works are scheduled for completion in March 2011.