Petra: The Swiss Charge d'affaires in Amman Markus Meli said that Switzerland encourages dialogue and cultural exchange with Jordan and other Arab countries as part of its quest to deepen dialogue between east and west.
Meli said in a statement to Jordan news Agency, that the stance of his country does not differ much from that of many European countries which play an active role in the Middle East, adding his country respects both Arabs and Muslims.
The official hailed the Amman message which was launched by King Abdullah II, adding it will contribute to promoting dialogue among nations. About 80 Jordanian children between the ages of 11-14 recently came to Switzerland to visit tourism and historical sites within cultural exchange between the two countries.
Meli said Jordan has major tourism potentials, noting that 14,000 Swiss tourists visited Jordan last year. He expressed pride over his country's contribution to renovating the Ancient city of Petra, which was discovered by Swiss traveler Johann Burckhardt, noting that negotiations are currently underway to establish a museum for Petra in the Swiss city of Basel to familiarize Swiss and Europeans on the ancient city.
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