His Majesty King Abdullah II
His Majesty King Abdullah's Statement to the Press
on the Occasion of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Visit
June 8, 2006
Amman, Jordan
Good afternoon,
I am pleased to have had a chance, together with the Jordanian delegation, to welcome His Excellency the Prime Minister, and his team in Amman today.
We had the opportunity to discuss many issues of mutual interest. Most importantly, we spoke about the peace process and how to move forward on the Palestinian – Israeli front. We also spoke about ways and means to promote bilateral relations between Jordan and Israel.
We emphasized Jordan’s position that a two-state solution is the only solution that we should seek. It is a solution that must be achieved through bilateral Palestinian – Israeli negotiations and agreements that are based on the Road Map. Jordan expressed its commitment to help the Palestinians and the Israelis to achieve the peace that we all aspire for.
A negotiated agreement that leads to a viable and contiguous independent Palestinian state, on Palestinian territory will help to establish a just, comprehensive Middle East peace that provides security and stability to every Arab and Israeli, man, woman and child. It is a peace that people on both sides will defend and protect now and in the future.
We also shared our concern over the worsening economic and humanitarian situation in the Palestinian areas, and we expressed Jordan's desire for all parties to work together to guarantee the resumption of assistance to the Palestinian people.
Prime Minister assured me of his commitment to the Road Map, and to reaching a peace agreement in the near future in partnership with the Palestinians. I am pleased to learn that he will be meeting soon with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
I look forward to a strong partnership for peace with you, Mr. Prime Minister, and to more cooperation between our two countries. We agreed to stay in close contact in the weeks ahead to help move the process forward.
Thank you.