Jordan Times
Monday, May 23, 2005
King reiterates support
for Iraq
DEAD SEA (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday said the Kingdom would
provide all possible support to render the peace process in Iraq a success and
extend facilities to help in the country's reconstruction.
The King's remarks came during a meeting with Speaker of the Iraqi National
Assembly Hajem Hassani on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on Sunday.
Hassani said the Kingdom's success in holding such forums underscores the
important role Jordan plays in the region and its broad international ties.
“We are keen on strengthening and enhancing ties between the two countries,” he
added, commending the historical bond between Amman and Baghdad.
Iraq and Jordan are inter-dependent, he noted.
Hassani thanked the King for his support for Iraq and the Iraqi issue at the
international level.
He told the Monarch that the Iraqis are due to draw up their constitution,
noting that all segments of society will take part in its formation and
expressing hope that the security situation would improve in the near future.
Talks also covered various fields of cooperation, particularly economic, and
means to facilitate the smooth movement of all material needed for the
reconstruction of Iraq.
Meanwhile, King Abdullah met with Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif yesterday
and discussed joint projects between the Kingdom and Egypt, especially the Arab
gas pipeline project and the electricity grid.
During the meeting with Nazif, the King stressed Jordan's keenness to enhance
economic cooperation with Egypt and his support for all the agreements signed by
the Joint Higher Jordanian-Egyptian Committee.
Also yesterday, the King received Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al
Khalifa who conveyed the greetings of Bahraini King Hamad Ben Isa Al Khalifa.
The Bahraini minister lauded the success of the forum, which, he said enhanced
understanding and dialogue between decision makers in the world.
In addition, King Abdullah met with Palestinian Minister of Planning Ghassan
Khatib and West Gulf Group President Sheikh Mohammad Kuwari, who briefed the
Monarch on the group's intention to invest in Jordan through the establishment
of a conference centre in Amman.