New Delhi, April 23 (IANS): The union cabinet on Wednesday approved signing of a shipping agreement with Jordan.

"Recognising the significant mutual benefit that can be derived from cooperation in the area of shipping between India and Jordan, it has been decided to sign the agreement with a view to strengthening cooperation and to provide sustained mutual assistance and advice on merchant shipping and other related maritime matters," a release issued here said.

Signing of the agreement will help both countries in encouraging and facilitating development of their maritime relationship and cooperation in the task of enhancing and stimulating steady growth of maritime traffic.

The agreement will also help in exchange and training of staff and students from various maritime establishments, exchange of information necessary for accelerating and facilitating flow of commercial goods at sea and at ports, establishment of joint ventures in maritime transportation, shipbuilding and repairs, maritime training, information technology, including development of simulators, port facilities and related activities, it added.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.