Jordan Times
Monday, October 29, 2007
Jordan, Bahrain urge resumption of peace talks
MANAMA (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah and Bahrain’s King Hamad Ben Isa Al Khalifa voiced support for Mideast peace efforts and called for resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations that should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The two leaders stressed that the peace meeting the US intends to host in Annapolis before the end of this year should discuss final status issues in the Middle East conflict, including Jerusalem, borders and the refugee issue. They urged good preparation for the meeting.
To serve the cause of peace, the US and the international community should extend assistance to the Palestinian Authority and its institutions, they said, adding that improved efficiency of PA agencies would reflect positively on the peace process as a whole.
Talks also covered the situation in Lebanon, with both sides stressing the need for political forces in this Arab country to resort to dialogue to overcome their differences and bring an end to the crisis and ensure national concord.
On Iraq, they said national unity and the participation of all Iraqis in the ongoing political process are key guarantees of the country’s security, stability and sovereignty.
The Monarch and King Hamad also discussed bilateral ties during their talks, which continued over a dinner banquet.
The King arrived in Manama on a several-hour visit, ahead of a three-day trip to China starting today.
During the China visit, the two countries are expected to sign several agreements in the fields of economy, development and culture.
The King's schedule includes talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and several academicians, investors and opinion leaders from Beijing and Shanghai.
His Majesty is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the Beijing University on Jordanian-Chinese ties and Arab-Chinese relations, highlighting China's contributions in support of efforts seeking to bring about peace and stability in the Middle East.
The visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Jordan and China.
King Abdullah will also visit several pioneering IT and telecom establishments and projects. Jordan seeks to transfer the Chinese expertise in technological planning, infrastructure and services, along with heavy industries and IT, to economic development zones in the Kingdom, officials have said.