Israeli Economy Minister Orna Barbivai and Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Alshamali met Nov. 3 in Jordan. Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Eitan Sorkis and Jordanian Ambassador to Israel Rassan al-Majali also participated in the meeting, which was the first of its kind in over a decade.

A statement by Israel said the two ministers discussed a variety of ways to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, highlighting the ongoing efforts at enhancing civilian ties between the neighboring countries and promoting cooperation. More specifically, the ministers discussed the renewal of the trade agreement between the two countries, mutual recognition of standardization, expansion of tourism and other trade-related issues.

Moreover, Barbivai and Alshamali signed at the Nov. 3 meeting an agreement that should expand future caps on products that Jordan may export to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank. The idea is to increase the number of Jordanian products making their way into Palestinian areas. The goods and products in question are mainly cement and construction materials, rugs, fabrics, clothing and electronics. Reports say the deal could see exports from Jordan to the PA grow from about $150 million to over $700 million per year. Reportedly, Alshamali had met with his Palestinian counterpart Nov. 2 to discuss the details of the agreement.

The Israeli statement said it recognizes the importance of economic cooperation with Jordan as a strategic goal that is important to regional stability. Barbivai was quoted as saying, "The trade benefits agreed upon today between the Israeli government and Jordan are an important dimension in the strengthening of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Deepening civilian and economic ties contributes to bilateral relations, national security and the protection of Israel's longest and most quiet border."