His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday concluded an official visit to Ukraine, during which he held talks with President Viktor Yanukovych that focused on bilateral ties and regional issues.

King Abdullah and Yanukovych discussed how best to enhance cooperation between the two countries, especially economic ties, stressing the need to take “institutional and tangible steps” to encourage mutual investments through better liaisons between the Jordanian and Ukrainian private sectors, highlighting potential in the energy, technology, transport, railway and military sectors.

On the sidelines of the visit, the King and the Ukrainian president attended the signing of five agreements to boost diplomatic ties and cooperation in the sectors of health and security and to combat money laundering.

At a joint press conference, King Abdullah said that Jordanian-Ukrainian economic relations have not met their full potential.

King Abdullah highlighted the mega-projects Jordan is implementing in the fields of energy, water and transport, pointing out that these ventures are good opportunities for private sector investment.

The two leaders also examined the Middle East developments and efforts to achieve a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as well as several regional and international issues. The King emphasised the two-state solution in accordance with the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state is the only realistic settlement of the conflict.

Also during the visit, King Abdullah presented Yanukovych with the Nahda Medal of First Order while the Ukrainian president conferred upon King Abdullah the Medal of Distinction, awarded to world leaders and statesmen in appreciation of their achievements.

The King also held talks with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Lytvyn and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.