Petra News Agency
Friday, September 3, 2004
King condemns school
seizure
MOSCOW, September 3 (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday condemned
the hostage-taking in a southern Russian school and said targeting children was
a “criminal and cowardly” act.
King Abdullah's remarks were made during a meeting here with Russian President
Vladimir Putin. The King also held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail
Fradkov.
On a two-day visit to Russia, the Monarch discussed with Putin the recent
developments in the Middle East and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.
The two leaders stressed the need to intensify international efforts to push the
Middle East peace process forward and put it back on track. They also
highlighted the need to fully implement the roadmap, which envisions an
independent Palestinian state by 2005.
On Iraq, King Abdullah and Putin emphasized the significance of bringing about
stability in the war-torn country and empower Iraqis to rebuild their national
institutions.
Citing several agreements between Jordan and Russia, the King expressed
satisfaction with the level of bilateral cooperation. The two leaders said they
were keen to develop their relations in all fields, particularly economic and
trade cooperation.
During a meeting with the Russian premier, the King pointed out that Jordan is
looking forward to activating economic cooperation and boosting investment,
tourism and trade exchange through setting up joint ventures between the two
countries' private sectors.
Amman and Moscow agreed that their bilateral economic agreements should be
activated by the end of the current year. On his part, Fradkov commended King
Abdullah's talks with Russian businessmen, whom the Monarch encouraged to set up
partnership between the private sector in both countries.
He also spoke highly of Jordan's plans to attract foreign investment and create
suitable investment environment, stressing Russia's keenness to enhance its
relations with Jordan in a way that reflects positively on the two nations. A
joint economic forum for Jordanian and Russian businessmen is scheduled to be
held in Moscow in September. The forum will discuss Russia's participation in
Jordan's privatization plans.
The Jordanian delegation included General Saad Kheir, King's adviser on security
issues, director of the General Intelligence Department and president of the
National Security Council; Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai; Foreign Minister
Marwan Muasher; Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem
Awadallah; and other senior officials.
Also on Thursday, King Abdullah held talks in Moscow with Daghestani President
Magomedali Magomedov on means to improve bilateral relations. Magomedov said
Daghestan considers Jordan as a moderate state that works hard to create
stability in the Middle East and defend Islam. The King and Magomedov agreed to
continue coordination between the two countries on issues of mutual concern.