Jordan Times
Thursday, July 12, 2007
King says Jordan keen to enhance ties with Kuwait
King Abdullah on Wednesday received a letter from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah that focused on bilateral relations
and regional developments.
Abdul Rahman Ateeqi, an adviser to the emir, delivered the letter during a meeting with the King, who said the Kingdom is keen to
strengthen relations with Kuwait, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
According to the Jordan Investment Board, Kuwaiti investments in Jordan amount to $6 billion, representing 75 per cent of the total
foreign investments in the Kingdom.
“The King expressed his pride in the distinguished relations between Jordan and Kuwait, and commended the emir for his efforts to
unify Arab positions on current challenges,” Petra said.
Ateeqi’s visit followed a trip three weeks ago by Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who held talks with
the King on Middle East issues and means to enhance bilateral ties.
Also on Wednesday, King Abdullah met with Lebanese MP Saad Hariri and reiterated Jordan’s support for Lebanon, Petra said.
“Jordan supports all efforts to help Lebanon preserve unity and stability and overcome its political crisis,” the agency quoted the
King as telling Hariri, who heads the Future Bloc in the Lebanese parliament.
King Abdullah called on the Lebanese political groups to focus on their country’s national interests, work together and overcome
differences.
“Achieving reconciliation in Lebanon is an urgent need at this difficult time the region is going through.”
Hariri briefed the King on efforts to reach consensus between Lebanese parties and overcome obstacles facing national dialogue.
Meanwhile, Petra’s official certificate as a new wonder of the world was presented yesterday to the King by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Osama Dabbas received the document in Lisbon, where Petra’s win was announced at a ceremony.
Around 100 million Internet and phone voters have selected the Nabataean rock-carved city and six other sites as the New Seven Wonders
of the World.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra competed in an international contest along with 20 other landmark sites around the world and came
second after the Great Wall of China.
Brazil’s Statue of Christ Redeemer, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Mexico’s Chichen Itza Pyramid, the Colosseum in Rome and India’s Taj Mahal
were named the other New Seven Wonders of the World.
The 2,000-year-old rose-red city already attracts around 400,000 visitors per year, making it the jewel of the country's tourism industry.