Remarks at The Birmingham International Center
Nov. 23, 2007

In the spirit of the upcoming conference in Annapolis, this ceremony today that highlights Jordan and Israel is an affirmation of the peace that exists between the two countries. Our peace is a vision of building mutual trust and respect, and cooperation and partnership, between Jordanians and Israelis that is being implemented and developed continuously.

Jordan and Israel have enjoyed warm relations since our 1994 agreement. We diplomatically engage regularly; contributing a situation conducive for rebuilding trust between Israelis and the Palestinians.

Together we address pressing regional, and bilateral economic and security problems that traverse our boundaries and don't distinguish between Muslim or Jew, Jordanian or Israeli, such as water sharing, addressing the Jordan River-Dead Sea recession, and energy production.

Tourists and business people pass through our open border crossings; including many Americans intent on seeing both sides of the Holy Land; Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan -- the baptism site of Jesus, and Aaron's Tomb, all on the Jordanian side.

Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian farmers cooperate in joint agricultural programs and resource utilization.

As a nation which above all believes in meeting the interests of our people, we will continue to cooperate in the drive for an independent Palestinian state, security for Israel, and justice for all peoples in the region.

It is fitting that Karak, Jordan, and Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel, are affirmed as sister cities to Birmingham.

As one of the focal points of the civil rights movements, Birmingham and Alabama in general understand the depth of commitment needed to bring communities and people together with historical apprehensions.

You fathom the strenuous efforts and unflinching will required for making enemies into friends. You can empathize with our struggle.

Recently Jordan commemorated the birthday anniversary of our late leader, His Majesty King Hussein, on what would have been his 72nd year. And Israelis marked the 12th anniversary of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's tragic assassination.

These two men displayed the extraordinary leadership and courage needed to give us a peace deal, while striving to bring Israelis and Palestinians to the end of their conflict.

On behalf of the government of Jordan and our ambassador in Washington, I offer our full support to the Birmingham International Center in promoting understanding and appreciation for Jordan and Israel.

www.birminghaminternationalcenter.com