Jordan Times
Friday, December 16, 2005
King urges dialogue to
fight extremism
BANGKOK (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held talks here with
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on bilateral relations and Mideast
issues.
King Abdullah, who returned last night, reiterated that the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state was the only way to help achieve a comprehensive
and peaceful solution in the Middle East.
Thaksin commended the King's efforts to create stability in the region and
ensure the full implementation of the roadmap to Middle East peace — which
envisions a Palestinian state that lives in peace side by side with Israel.
On Iraq, the Monarch voiced hope that the parliamentary elections would result
in a legislature representing all the components of the Iraqi population and
help build a stable and unified country.
King Abdullah, meanwhile, briefed Thaksin on efforts by Jordan to spell out the
true image of Islam as a faith of tolerance and moderation. The King also
reviewed recommendations by the Organisation of the Islamic Conference's meeting
in Mecca earlier this month.
Thaksin voiced appreciation for such efforts, including the King's talks with
Muslim leaders around the world.
On bilateral relations, the two leaders discussed prospects of cultural
cooperation and exchange of scholarships, giving Thai students the opportunity
to study Islamic sciences and Arabic language in Jordan.
They also discussed ways to increase Thailand's imports from Jordan, including
Dead Sea products, potash and fertilisers, as well as expanding the Asian
country's investments in the Kingdom.
The King and the Thai premier discussed a plan to enhance diplomatic ties by
opening a Jordanian embassy in Bangkok, where Jordan is now represented by a
non-resident envoy, a post held customarily by the Kingdom's ambassador to
India.
King Abdullah and Thaksin attended the signing of an agreement to protect mutual
investments.
Also Thursday, the King delivered a speech at Chulalongkorn University, where he
was presented an honorary doctorate in political science in recognition of the
“achievements he made for his people and country at all levels...” University
President Professor Khunying Suchada Kiranandana said the certificate “is a
lasting proof of the friendship and common aspirations of the two kingdoms” (see
full text of the speech).
King Abdullah called for global dialogue and cooperation between faiths to fight
extremism and ensure peace.
“True traditional Islam can help our world deal with this century's most
critical issues — especially where there is tension between people of different
faiths,” he said.
Addressing an array of prominent political, academic and Muslim figures as well
as students, he said: “Here in Thailand, Muslims have a long history as an
important part of civilisation and society. They deserve, as all Thais deserve,
that their rights be honoured and their persons be respected.”
Reiterating that extremists do not represent Islam, the King urged Thais not to
“allow a tiny minority of extremists to divide the people of Thailand.
Non-Muslim Thais should know that their traditional Muslim neighbours — the vast
majority — are the staunchest allies of good citizenship, co-existence and
peace.”
There are seven million Muslims in Thailand.