His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and visiting Jordanian King, His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday held discussions to bolster ties and on issues of concern to the Islamic world.

The two leaders agreed to go ahead with signing agreements devised to enhance cooperation in the economic, tourism and defence fields, according to the Jordanian Foreign Affairs Ministry web site.

They reviewed progress in implementing deals already signed by the two sides concerning investment, education, academic and professional cooperation, Islamic affairs and maritime transportation.

The web site said King Abdullah underlined defence cooperation between Jordan and Brunei. Jordan has offered defence equipment developed by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB).

Brunei defence officials visited SOFEX, which was held in Amman last month, and had a first-hand look at KADDB's offers, the web site added.

King Abdullah II and His Majesty reviewed developments in the Palestinian-Israel conflict.

The two leaders urged Islamic countries to play an effective role and support the Palestinian Authority in its negotiations with Israel over the final status issues and extend economic assistance to help the authority improve the living conditions of the Palestinians, the Jordanian Foreign Affairs Ministry web site said.

Talks also covered the situation in Lebanon. The two leaders emphasised the need to speed up the election of a president in accordance with the Arab League initiative to settle the crisis in the country, which witnessed unfortunate developments over the past few days.

They also discussed the situation in Iraq and efforts exerted to restore stability and security.

During the State Banquet hosted by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the two leaders lauded each other's leadership roles.

His Majesty said Brunei greatly admires the direction King Abdullah II and his government has set for the Jordanian people, a direction that places Jordan not only on the path of modern progress but also of international goodwill and tolerance.

"Even though we are at opposite ends of our great continent we hope that the future will bring continued opportunities for us to add substance to our cooperation," His Majesty said in a titah.

King Abdullah II also praised the leadership of His Majesty saying that nations across the world look to Brunei as a leader in cooperation for development.

"Thanks to Your Majesty's leadership, Brunei and its distinguished people are having a global impact today. Today, nations across the world look for your country as a leader on cooperation for development. In Asean, in the relationship between Asia and the Middle East, and in the global Islamic community, you have promoted the close, effective partnerships that are so necessary today." - Borneo Bulletin (15th May 2008)