Jordan Times
Monday, May 24, 2004
King begins European tour, meets Mesic
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday
arrived in the Croatian capital of Zaghreb on a three-day European tour
including the Czech Republic and Romania.
King Abdullah and Croatian President Stjepan Mesic held talks on regional and
bilateral issues, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The two leaders
discussed the Middle East situation and stressed the need to put the peace
process back on track. The King briefed Mesic on the outcome of the Arab summit,
which concluded yesterday in Tunis, highlighting the pan-Arab commitment to a
peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel.
In a joint press conference following the meeting, the King said Jordan still
believes that the internationally-backed roadmap offers a viable mechanism to
reach a just and comprehensive peace. On Iraq, the King urged the world to help
set a viable and comprehensive political system that gives Iraqis the
opportunity to contribute to regional development. King Abdullah also voiced
hope that the international efforts to rebuild the Balkan countries would pay
off soon and bring peace and stability to that part of the world. Meanwhile, the
King announced that the two sides will soon sign an agreement on scientific and
technological cooperation, according to Petra.
The King voiced hope for cooperation between the private sectors in both
countries.
The King's European tour is part of his endeavours to develop bilateral
relations with the three counties in various fields, a Royal Court statement
said.
He is expected to hold talks with Czech President Vaclav Klaus and Romanian
leader Ion Iliescu on means to boost cooperation in the fields of economy,
education, culture and tourism.
Investment opportunities available in Jordan for the private sector in the three
European countries will top the talks, according to the statement.
Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, King's Adviser Akel Biltaji, and Minister of
Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah accompanied the King.
The Kingdom established diplomatic ties with Croatia in 1994 and with the Czech
Republic in 1964.
The Croatian president paid a visit to Amman in March and held talks with the
King on educational cooperation. Jordan has agreed to open its universities for
Croatian Muslim students to study Arabic language and Islamic science.
HRH Prince Faisal was sworn in as Regent.
In another development, a Royal Court source said yesterday King Abdullah was
invited by US President George W. Bush to join the G-8 summit in June.