Jordan Times
Sunday, December 5, 1999
King, S. Korean president agree to boost bilateral ties
SEOUL (Agencies) — His Majesty King Abdullah and South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung agreed on Saturday to enhance bilateral ties and negotiate a treaty to avoid double taxation.
The King, who arrived earlier Saturday in Seoul at the start of a three-day visit accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania and high-ranking government officials and business leaders after a state visit to Japan agreed with President Kim to increase Jordanian-South Korean tourism and enhance government policy-making cooperation.
According to a spokesman for the presidential palace, the King and the president also agreed to push for the two countries to sign a bilateral programme on culture and education exchanges by the year 2001.
President Kim asked the King to allow South Korean construction firms to take part in major projects in Jordan and later repeated the request during a speech at a banquet for the King.
The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, with the South Korean president expressing appreciation of King Abdullah's efforts towards a comprehensive peace.
President Kim hosted a banquet in honour of the King and the Queen attended by the Jordanian delegation. In an address at the banquet, King Abdullah referred to the progress which South Korea has achieved, saying “the level of progress which you have achieved represents a unique experience in our time. The high rates of growth and standards of living coupled with the determination to overcome difficulties and face challenges are a tribute to your inspired leadership and an inspiration for all developing countries. Despite the limited resources in our two countries, we are both determined to achieve social and economic development and improve the quality of life of our peoples. We strive to emulate your example and exerting efforts to guarantee that our workforce is as efficient and productive.”
Referring to Jordan's needs and plans, the King said: “Our national priorities are clear: Strengthening our domestic front, implementing social and educational programmes and preparing competent generations who are able to face the challenges of the future.”
The King added that “surely we can jointly benefit from our common experiences. The availability of Qualifying Industrial Zones with heir unique opportunities for exporting manufactured products customs free and quota free to U.S. markets provide a lucrative investment opportunity.”
The king invited the South Korean president to visit Jordan, saying “we hope we shall have the opportunity to show you the true feelings of friendship respect and high esteem which the Jordanian people hold for you.”
King Abdullah called on South Korea to increase investment in Jordan, especially in free trade zones.
On the first day of his visit to South Korea, King Abdullah met representatives of economic and trade organisations and reviewed with them the economic situation in Jordan and investment opportunities, pointing out the economic reform introduced in the past few months.
King Abdullah met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Jong- Pil and discussed with him investment and economic projects,
According to Jordan News Agency, Petra, the two sides agreed to hold further meetings in the coming year through representatives of private sectors in both companies.
Today, the King will visit car assembly lines of Daewoo Motors.