Jordan Times
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
King highlights Arab
commitment to peace
The Monarch is expected to meet today representatives of the private sector
in Romania
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah arrived
Monday in Romania on a two-day visit, the last leg of a European tour that
included Croatia and the Czech Republic.
King Abdullah met Romanian President Ion Iliescu for talks on bilateral ties and
issues of common concern, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The two leaders discussed the Middle East peace process and the transition of
power in Iraq, scheduled for June 30.
The King highlighted Arab countries' collective commitment to peace with Israel
and reiterated the need for international efforts to build a viable political
system in the war-torn Iraq.
After the meeting, the King told the press that he will meet today
representatives of the private sector in the country, expected to join the EU in
2007.
On his part, Iliescu said the talks with the Monarch focused on joint ventures
and ways to expand the trade volume between the two countries.
Romanian annual exports to Jordan stand at $31.6 million, while its imports from
the Kingdom stand at $1.4 million.
The King was due to meet Prime Minister Adrian Nastase and other senior
officials.
Earlier Monday, King Abdullah held talks in Prague with President Vaclav Klaus
of the Czech Republic on bilateral relations and means of strengthening them.
The president pointed out Jordan's role in regional peace efforts to ensure
speedy transition of power to Iraqis. Briefed by the King on investment
opportunities in Jordan, Klaus said his country, which joined the EU earlier
this month, is keen to enhance ties with the Kingdom.
A Jordanian businessmen delegation is expected to leave soon for Prague to study
the prospects of mutual investments.
On Sunday, King Abdullah and Croatian President Stjepan Mesic held talks on the
Middle East and bilateral relations.
The King's European tour is part of his endeavours to develop bilateral
relations with the three countries in various fields.
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. It embarked on such ties with Romania in 1965, and upgraded
diplomatic representation to the level of ambassadors in 1974.