His Majesty King Abdullah II
Remarks presented on behalf of His Majesty
King Abdullah II
by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal
at the Euro-Mediterranean Summit in Barcelona
November 28, 2005
In the
Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Your Excellencies,
Commissioner, [Ferrero-Waldner]
My friends,
I speak to you tonight on behalf of millions of Jordanians, who seek global
peace, in defiance of terror and hatred.
The bombings in Amman this month are evidence — once again — of our urgent need
to work together, in global defence of our peoples and our future. In Amman...
as in Sharm El Sheikh, Casablanca, Riyadh, Istanbul, Madrid, London and
elsewhere... extremists showed their contempt for humanity. Theirs is a
profoundly anti-Islamic agenda. Only by distorting and abandoning the true
teachings of Islam, can anyone kill innocent civilians. The Koran says (2:208):
O you who believe, enter into peace entirely.... And it admonishes (5:87): Do
not transgress; truly God does not love the transgressors.
My friends,
The Arab world will not be set back. We will not close the doors on opportunity
for our youth. We will not shut off dialogue and cooperation with our friends
around the world. We will help lead this century — a century that, with our
help, can bring peace, freedom and prosperity to billions of people.
Our relationship with Europe is key to that future. Ten years ago, the first
Euro-Med Summit recognised the shared destiny of our regions. It acknowledged,
frankly, that lasting security and prosperity cannot be achieved by our nations
in isolation. It agreed that we must address the economic gaps between our
regions; we must work together for peace. And it established the three-basket
framework for partnership and progress.
Today, the Euro-Med partnership is more important than ever. Its success will
deliver the opportunities that our young people need... create the stability for
freedom to thrive... and provide a global model of mutual respect among nations.
This makes cooperation and dialogue more than just ideals — they are critical
strategies for a future of peace and well-being.
It is because extremists understand the power of our cooperation that they are
working so hard to divide the world into hostile camps. We must defeat their
strategy. That requires action on all fronts: Effective security cooperation,
yes — but also economic, legal, social and political outreach.
The Euro-Med Partnership recognises this comprehensive approach. Jordan was
proud to be the first Mashreq country to sign a partnership agreement... we were
among the first to participate in the European Neighbourhood Policy... and we
have made significant progress on a joint action plan. Last year, Jordan joined
Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco in signing the Aghadir Agreement — a step towards
closer regional cooperation... another goal of the Barcelona process.
Jordan's active participation in these efforts, and others, reflects our larger
national vision. We seek sustainable development and reform: Not short-term,
narrow-impact measures, but deep, lasting change that benefits all citizens. To
advance this process, we brought together stakeholders from across society to
form Jordan's National Agenda Committee. The energy and support of civil society
and the private sector are critical, and we have involved them every step of the
way.
And let me say, the strength and will of Jordanian society was amply
demonstrated in the national response to the mass murders in Amman. People from
all walks of life marched in solidarity against the extremist threat to our
country. And they did more: They got back to their work and their lives, to
demonstrate their fearless belief in our country's future.
The National Agenda institutionalises reform, by articulating our priorities for
the next 10 years. Its requirements meet and exceed the goals of joint plan with
the EU. Our goals are clear: Effective, inclusive political institutions... a
growing, opportunity-rich economy... and an expanded future for all citizens. We
have put special emphasis on human rights... the empowerment of women... and
education and opportunity for our youth.
The National Committee's report was officially presented to His Majesty King
Abdullah last week. Implementation has already begun. Jordan is absolutely
committed to moving forward. And we are deeply grateful to our European partners
for their support.
My friends,
The European-Mediterranean partnership holds promise for all of our countries.
But it has not yet delivered on its greatest hope: Peace, stability and
prosperity across our whole neighbourhood.
Key to our future is a new dialogue of cultures — a dialogue that can strengthen
our common bonds and bring us together. All of us have a responsibility to
promote the intercultural, interfaith respect that such dialogue depends on.
Jordan is working with the international Muslim community to oppose extremist
violence and false teachings. A year ago, we issued the Amman Message — a call
to peaceful coexistence and progress. It supports tolerance and respect for
others, and the pursuit of peace. We have followed this up with concrete
measures to affirm Islam's central, moderate core. And we are working with our
European friends to increase understanding and goodwill.
Together, we must also end the sources of misunderstanding, division and
frustration.
My friends,
We must bring peace to the Middle East.
In peacemaking — just as in reform — Jordan has consistently urged a measurable
process, with milestones along the way, and a clear endgame. For Palestinians,
for Israelis: A lasting, just solution... two states, living beside each other
in peace and security... a sovereign, viable Palestinian state — security for
Israel — and a comprehensive settlement that can bring regional reconciliation.
For Iraqis, reconstruction and hope: A stable, unified Iraq, with a rebuilt
economy, and an inclusive civil society.
We urgently need to move forward. Violence and instability in the region are
threats to security and prosperity for all our peoples. Working together, I
believe we can help usher in a new and more positive era.
In this effort, Europe plays a central role. We are grateful for your leadership
in the Quartet process. The Euro-Med process itself contributes, by helping
countries work in practical ways towards shared goals. Together, let us continue
to keep up the pressure for peace and progress.
My friends,
There are deep and historic ties between our peoples. My region is the
birthplace of our common history. For millennia, goods and ideas have crossed
the sea between us. The truth is that there is far more to tie us, than to
divide us. Together, we can expand and strengthen that middle ground.
In Arabic, the Mediterranean is named al bahr al abyad al mutwasset — the White
Middle Sea. The name evokes the white-capped waves of this great waterway — and
its central position in our peoples' history. In European languages, too, the
Med has long been named for its role at the middle of the region's life.
Today, the Mediterranean, the Middle Sea, stands again at the centre: A middle
ground for both Europe and its Southern partners, to come together, and move
forward. Let us meet at that middle, to make today's promises real, for all our
people. To create the peace and prosperity our citizens need. And together, in
partnership, to bring justice, understanding — and a new era of hope.
Thank you very much.