His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II
at the Economic Club of New York
New
York
14 September 2005
Bismillah
Ar-rahman Ar-Rahim
Thank you, Barbara. I’m honored to join all of you today. Over the years, this
Club has hosted important discussions of our global future. I hope that, today,
together, we can contribute to that dialogue.
Our century is one of great economic potential. But we cannot take a better
future for granted. The violent extremists of 9-11 and recent terror attacks
have a very different vision. They have launched a direct attack on the trust
and confidence that global life depends on. Theirs is an anti-democratic,
anti-economic-growth, and anti-progress agenda.
Our response must be united – and comprehensive. We must firmly reject the clash
of civilizations that extremists seek. And we must take action on every level –
not just military, but economic, political, and social as well.
Today, billions of people, including the Muslim World and the West, depend on
what we do to create a strong, inclusive global economy. Our cooperation and
dialogue are not just idealistic goals – they are critical strategies for
advancement. Indeed, to the extent that extremists recruit from those who have
lost hope – especially the world’s youth – it’s urgent we succeed.
In this effort, all countries have responsibilities. In our region, Jordan has
taken a lead in promoting development, peace, and reform. We’ve focused on three
priorities: good governance, which makes people stakeholders in their future …
opportunity-rich economies, which can create jobs and economic growth … and
peace, to end conflict and instability. We have backed these goals with
concrete, practical initiatives that can be benchmarked, monitored, and followed
up.
This spring, a new government came on board to move up the pace of our efforts.
A National Agenda Committee – involving stakeholders from across society –
reports this month on reform priorities for the next ten years. Our country is
also working to decentralize development – establishing local councils that will
oversee local priorities.
To grow the economy, Jordan has streamlined the development process, and
targeted export-oriented investment. As many of you know, we were the first Arab
country to have a free trade agreement with the U.S.; and we have an Association
Agreement with the European Union. We are privatizing important sectors like
telecommunications, mining and power generation. And there are new investment
opportunities in emerging sectors – financial services, tourism, and
manufacturing.
We know that the talent of our people drives Jordan’s future. And we have made a
strong investment in our youth. Beginning early, Jordanian students learn the
tools and language of the international economy – IT, and English. Higher
curriculum standards are deepening learning and encouraging creative thinking.
International studies rank our country first in the region for educational
reform.
These and other initiatives have had measurable, positive results. Let me share
a few of the numbers. GDP growth reached 7.5 percent in 2004 – and 7.7 percent,
in the first quarter of this year. The national budget deficit is down; so is
external debt. Foreign currency reserves are up, to almost $5 billion. Exports
to the U.S. are over $1 billion – up from $13 million in 1999. Total exports
last year reached $3.3 billion – double what they were in 1999. And there is
significantly greater market capitalization, in the Amman Stock Exchange – over
$36 billion today, from $5 billion in the year 2000.
These results reflect the important role of the private sector in creating
prosperity. But in a world that is globalizing fast, markets can’t be limited to
one country alone. To address this issue, we have spearheaded a new, global
forum for emerging markets. It will be held at the Dead Sea, once a year,
starting next April. The forum will allow institutions and businesses to share
knowledge and build partnerships – leveraging their strengths, and identifying
value for global stakeholders. We are working closely with global business
leaders to create this new forum. And we certainly invite your interest and
participation.
Jordan has moved forward strongly, despite regional conflict and instability.
But we are realistic: for our entire region, and the world, long-term progress
depends on peace. We are strongly committed to a lasting solution to the
Arab-Israel conflict –two states – a viable, independent Palestine, living
beside a secure Israel. We are also working to help the Iraqi people build a
future. Two months ago, we hosted a major donor conference to organize
international support.
Beyond the region, there is an important larger arena as well. To advance global
peace, we must counter the extremism that would divide the world into hostile
camps. That requires outreach on all sides. Two days ago, my wife Rania and I
were honored to meet with Pope Benedict XVI. Here in the U.S., I am speaking
this week with Christians, Muslims and Jews. Our religions have shared roots –
and shared responsibilities. We cannot allow extremism to dictate the dialogue,
or silence our common humanity.
Jordan is also working with the international Muslim community to oppose
extremist interpretations of Islam. Last November, we issued the Amman Message,
which articulates the true nature of Islam: its call for tolerance and respect
for others; the equal dignity of all people; and the pursuit of peace. We
followed this up with the first International Islamic Conference in Amman this
past July. One hundred and eighty leading Muslim scholars, from 45 countries,
affirmed the Amman Message and took measures to end abuses of our faith. Their
voices are part of a global effort, by traditional, orthodox, moderate Muslims,
to reclaim Islam from the violent few who have tried to hijack it.
We are continuing to work with Islamic scholars and organizations, and Islamic
leaders of vision, like King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. We are planning major
initiatives in education and in media strategy. All of this is key to the future
of the world.
My friends,
Global prosperity does not take place in a vacuum. Justice and peace, freedom
and moral values, will shape the environment for global economic development and
growth. I believe in having a clear endgame: results that will deliver what
people need. It will take all of us, working together. God willing, we can make
the promise real.
Thank you very much.