Jordan Times
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
EU plays positive role in Mideast — King
DUBLIN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said the European Union plays a “positive role” in supporting peace in the Middle East.During separate meetings with Irish President Mary McAleese and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, King Abdullah urged the international community to make swift moves to rescue the peace process in the region and bring an end to the cycle of violence in the Palestinian territories.
The King called on the EU, whose rotating presidency is currently headed by Ireland, to throw its weight behind efforts to push the peace process forward and support the roadmap to Mideast peace.
King Abdullah said the Arab public opinion appreciates European efforts to bring about solutions to the Palestinian and Iraqi issues.
At a lunch banquet honouring the King and the accompanying delegation, Ahern stressed his country's support for the roadmap and efforts to restore peace in the region.
On Iraq, the King and the premier called for accelerating efforts to rebuild the country's institutions and empower the Iraqis to run their own affairs.
The Jordanian-Irish ties also topped the agenda of the King's talks, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania.
The King praised the Irish success in attracting investment to major sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals and education.
King Abdullah and Ahern discussed steps leading to a cooperation agreement in the economic, scientific and cultural fields. The two countries have already embarked on cooperation in IT, communications and transport through bilateral agreements.
The King pledged full cooperation with Irish companies planning to take part in reconstructing Iraq.
King Abdullah, meanwhile, extended an invitation to the Irish premier to take part in the World Economic Forum, scheduled for May 15 at the Dead Sea.
He also met Monday with Irish Minister for Communications Dermot Ahern to review cooperation in the IT field.
The King is expected to arrive in Germany today for similar talks.