Jordan Times
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Jordan, Iran sign agreements on economic, scientific and cultural cooperation
TEHRAN (Petra) — Jordan and Iran agreed to
upgrade their joint panel to become a “higher committee,” chaired by Prime
Minister Faisal Fayez and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Aref Reza.
Fayez made the announcement on Tuesday after he was received by Iranian
President Mohammad Khatami.
During the meeting, the premier stressed the Kingdom's keenness on strengthening
its ties with Iran. Fayez, who arrived home later in the day, pointed out that
the progress made at the political level has paid off in other fields, citing
eight memoranda of understanding the two sides signed Monday on economic,
scientific and cultural cooperation.
The premier's talks with President Khatami also covered regional issues. On
Palestine, Fayez highlighted Jordan's continued support for the Palestinian
cause and the Palestinians' pursuit of their legitimate rights, particularly
their right to return and compensation, and to establish their independent
viable state after full Israeli withdrawal from lands occupied in 1967.
He also pointed to Jordan's backing of international efforts to achieve peace in
the Middle East.
With regard to the Iraqi issue, Fayez said the Kingdom deems essential that
Iraqis be empowered to rebuild their security and military institutions to pave
the way for ending the occupation and restore peace. He also stressed the
importance of building political institutions so as to yield a parliament and a
government that truly represent the entire Iraqi spectrum.
Khatami expressed his appreciation and respect for His Majesty King Abdullah's
role and said that he was looking forward to visiting the Kingdom.
He said Iran is keen on upgrading the cooperation level with Jordan, adding that
there is massive potential in both countries that should be utilised. Khatami
underlined cooperation and solidarity as the only way to overcome regional
obstacles and conflicts that impede development.
Khatami called for a united stand to achieve a true and lasting peace based on
restoring Palestinian rights. He added that Iran, as a neighbour of Iraq, agrees
with Jordan on the need for stability and a widely-representative government in
Iraq.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammad Halaiqa,
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ahmad Hilayel, Minister of Energy and
Mineral Resources Azmi Khreisat, Minister of Municipal Affairs Amal Farhan and
other senior officials were present at the meeting.
In remarks to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the officials commended the outcome
of the talks with the Iranian peers and that of the Jordanian-Iranian committee,
which wrapped up its eighth session on Monday.
Halaiqa, who co-chaired the meetings of the committee, said talks were
“successful.” He noted that Jordanian businessmen also held talks with their
Iranian counterparts regarding many issues that would enhance trade exchange.
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Ahmad Hilayel met with Iranian Minister of
Culture and Islamic Affairs Masjidi Jami and discussed several issues starting
with religious tourism in the Kingdom.
At the end of his visit, Fayez met with Reza. In remarks to the press
afterwards, the two sides expressed their satisfaction at the outcome of the
visit.
Earlier, the premier discussed defence cooperation with Iranian Defence Minister
Ali Shamkhani. Fayez extended an invitation to the Iranian official to visit
Jordan in the next few months.
The premier also visited the Iranian defence ministry-run Military Industries
Exhibition.