Jordan Times
Sunday, May 8, 2005
Awadallah, Allawi discuss enhancing economic ties
Border issues highlighted in discussions
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — Finance Minister Bassem Awadallah and his
Iraqi counterpart Ali Allawi on Saturday exchanged views on means to enhance
bilateral ties in economic fields.
In a briefing after the talks, Allawi told the press the main issues discussed
included “financing joint projects, easing procedures at Aqaba Port for Iraqi
trade and removing obstacles impeding cooperation between the private sectors of
both countries as well as issues covering customs and border control.”
“Our main concern in Iraq is security, and therefore the most important topic of
discussion today was increasing border control to stop terrorists from going
into Iraq,” Allawi said, adding that he received a positive response from the
government which promised to “reinforce” control on the eastern border.
Allawi, whose visit is considered the first by an elected Iraqi government
official, said the Iraqi government is aware of Jordan's concerns over the
frozen funds and assets of Jordanian businessmen, and promised to solve this
problem.
Both ministers did not give further details except to say that all deliberations
would eventually lead to economic integration between the neighbouring states.
“We have set up joint committees to follow up on all issues and these committees
have provided their recommendations,” Awadallah said.
Allawi remarked that both governments are working to solve these issues
describing the process as “smooth.”
Allawi will participate in the World Economic Forum on the Dead Sea shore
between May 20-22, as a member of a top-level Iraqi delegation.
Both ministers agreed to coordinate efforts for participating next week in the
first ever summit between South American and Arab leaders in Brazil, intended to
boost trade and investment between the two parts of the world.
According to Reuters, the gathering will bring leaders from 11 South American
countries and 22 Arab states to talk about reducing dependence on the United
States and Europe and strengthen alliances in forums like the World Trade
Organisation and United Nations.