May 20, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1429

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, May 19: Jordan has sought Pakistan’s cooperation in civilian nuclear field to meet its growing energy needs.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Monday, Jordanian Prime Minister Nader el Dahabi said Pakistan had highly developed nuclear industry and Jordan would like to benefit from its experience.

The two countries decided to sign a Free Trade Agreement and set up a joint business council to step up cooperation in trade and commerce.

Mr Gilani said Pakistan wanted to benefit from the experience of Jordans highly developed tourism industry.

The two leaders decided to look into the possibility of resumption of air flights between the two countries.

Mr Gilani said Pakistan and Jordan enjoyed close brotherly relations and there was need to tap the available opportunities for promoting trade and investment.

Mr Gilani expressed the hope that the ninth session of the Joint Economic Commission would help boost commercial ties. He said necessary mechanisms in the shape of MOUs and agreements on trade, tourism, maritime trade and avoidance of double taxation that already existed needed to be implemented and energised.

He said Pakistan was in a position to provide expertise and technical know-how to help develop Jordans textile sector. He welcomed Jordans interest in Pakistans defence manufacturing and research facilities.