Feb 10, 2008, 12:04 GMT
Moscow - King Abdullah II of Jordan was due to arrive Sunday in Moscow on a two-day working visit to Russia.
In an interview with Itar-Tass news agency on the eve of his visit, the monarch stressed the importance of Russia's role in the Middle East.
'Russia's support for President (Mahmoud) Abbas and the Palestinian National Authority is very much appreciated, especially in terms of training of security personnel.
'And obviously, as Palestinians move forward, Russia can play a valuable supportive role in achieving a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace settlement.'
The monarch is to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin on developments in the Middle East, particularly the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, a royal court statement said.
The discussions are also expected to focus on means of boosting bilateral relations.
Russia and Jordan enjoy a high degree of security coordination and cooperation, the king said, adding, 'I believe that there is also real promise in the economic sphere, especially trade and investment relations.'
Alternative energy was another possible sphere of cooperation and collaboration in nuclear energy development.
Around 2,000 Jordanian students are studying in Russia. 'They will add to our pool of 20,000 Russian speakers in the country. We are keen to welcome more Russians to Jordan - around 100,000 visited in 2006, many on religious pilgrimages,' the king noted.
Your Talkback on this Story