Jordan Times
Sunday, June 4, 2006
Germany keen to enhance trade ties with Jordan — King
BERLIN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah and
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday discussed means to enhance trade and
investment between the two countries, along with recent developments in the
Middle East.
At a press conference following the meeting, King Abdullah described the talks
as constructive.
“Chancellor Merkel has the same commitment to develop relations between Amman
and Berlin and enhance trade and investment between the private sectors in the
two friendly countries,” said the King.
His Majesty said talks also covered the means of enhancing relations between
Jordan and the European Union (EU), which will be headed by Germany next year.
“Germany is also an important partner in Barcelona process, which seeks to
enhance the Euro-Mediterranean partnership,” the Monarch said.
The King described Germany as a strong partner for Jordan in education, adding
that the German Jordanian University is a key example of this.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the importance of enhancing
peace, stability and security in the Middle East.
The King discussed with Merkel ways to provide the Palestinian people with aid
in order to avoid a humanitarian crisis, in addition to the role of Berlin and
the EU in pushing forward the peace process.
“Germany will do its utmost efforts to guarantee the continuity of support for
Palestinians,’’ Merkel said, adding that Berlin knows the hardships the
Palestinians are going through.
She added that it’s everyone’s interest to see the peace process in the Middle
East move forward, stressing the importance of international agreements,
especially the roadmap.
Merkel, however, said the German and European stand is based on the importance
of Hamas recognising Israel’s right to exist.
The King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, expressed worries on
the Iranian nuclear issue, calling on all parties to strive for a diplomatic
solution and commended Germany’s role in this regard.
Merkel described the American initiative as positive, adding that it is in
Germany’s interests that Iran returns to the negotiations.
The King also discussed Jordan’s role in supporting the new Iraqi government to
enhance the unity, stability and security of its eastern neighbour.
The German chancellor described Jordan as an important friend and expressed her
country’s readiness to extend support for Jordan’s reform process.
Jordan’s imports from Germany in 2005 exceeded JD454 million, while exports
reached JD5 million.
The Monarch was accompanied by HRH Prince Ali, Director of the King’s Office
Bassem Awadallah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ziad Fariz,
Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib and Jordanian Ambassador to Germany Waleed
Rifai.
Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania returned to Jordan on Friday.