Jordan Times
Sunday, September 5, 2004
King Abdullah reiterates condemnation
of terrorism
Their Majesties offer condolences to Russian president
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday sent a message of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing his and Her Majesty Queen Rania's deepest sympathies over the tragic loss of life as a result of the hostage crisis.
The King expressed Jordan's support for the Russian people at this difficult time and the Kingdom's condemnation of the heinous crime that violates all religious principles and teachings and human values.
The King returned home on Friday after concluding a three-day visit to Poland and Russia.
The Monarch had reiterated his condemnation of terrorism at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and in an address at the Moscow State Institute for International Relations (MGIMO), where he was presented with an honorary doctorate. The King stressed that Islam is a religion of tolerance and dialogue, adding that extremists will not “silence real voice of Islam” in the world.
MGIMO Rector Anatoli Torkunov said the institute is proud to present King Abdullah with the honorary degree in recognition of the Monarch as “one of the most famous politicians in the Middle East” whose opinions are appreciated by the world.
Torkunov said ties between Jordan and Russia had witnessed remarkable development, attributing the progress to the King's efforts to improve the level of cooperation between the two countries. He expressed his appreciation for King Abdullah's condemnation of the terrorist acts.
In a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, the Monarch stressed the need for signing a free trade agreement between Jordan and Russia, noting that the Kingdom has similar agreements with USA, EU and several Arab countries.
In Moscow, the King attended a meeting between Russian businessmen and representatives from the Jordanian private sector, during which an agreement to establish a tourist resort called “Al Bahra” and a five-star hotel on the Dead Sea shore was signed.
During the meeting with Russian businessmen, King Abdullah said he was looking forward to upgrading economic relations with them, expressing his commitment to proceeding with planned reforms in all fields. He noted that the Kingdom has been able to boost economic growth in the first half of this year to 7.2 per cent, in addition to an increase in the volume of exports and foreign currency reserves.
Russian businessmen expressed their interest in investing in the Disi Water Conveyance Project as they have engineering and technical expertise to execute a project of this size.
The King urged Russian firms interested in executing the Disi project to participate in a tender to be floated next year for implementation of the first phase of the project. He highlighted Jordan's readiness to train the local workforce on the skills needed to run Russian investments in the Kingdom, within the context of the Vocational Training Project that aims to reduce unemployment.
The Monarch pointed to the establishment of an office in the Foreign Ministry to help private sector work in Iraq and in local infrastructure projects that would enhance the Kingdom's economic and commercial ties with Iraq. Such projects include upgrading Aqaba Port, constructing a new road between Iraq and the Kingdom and the establishment of a free zone at the borders with Iraq.
Some Russian economists said they were interested in setting up small- and medium-size enterprises in Jordan.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah, who headed the Jordanian side in the talks with the Russian businessmen, said Jordanian companies are mostly small or medium in size, except mining firms.
He also gave a presentation on reform measures in the fields of economy, legislation, judiciary, education and politics.
Responding to the lack of bank dealings between Russia and Jordan, which the Russians said would impede the flow of their investments to the country, Awadallah said Jordan was waiting for the Russian side to complete reforms to its banking system.
In Poland, King Abdullah attended the signing of a tourism agreement between the Tourism Ministry and the Polish ministry of economy and labour, in addition to the signing of an executive cooperation programme between Poland and Jordan for 2004-2006.
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; and other senior officials.