Jordan Times
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Jordan, Germany to work together on peace process
AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah on
Wednesday discussed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel means to foster
bilateral ties in different fields and efforts to bring about a just and
permanent peace in the region.
King Abdullah, who returned to Jordan later in the day, reiterated the
significance of launching serious negotiations to resolve the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution and
within a regional context.
The Monarch emphasised the importance of the European role in launching such
negotiations and intensifying international efforts to resolve the conflict in
the region.
The King underscored that resolving the Palestinian issue, which is the core
conflict in the region, is the key to realising peace in the Middle East, adding
that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the only way to
guarantee peace.
King Abdullah and Merkel said Jordan and Germany will continue to work together
to support peace efforts in the region.
On bilateral ties, the two leaders stressed their keenness to develop relations
in different fields, especially in the field of economy.
His Majesty also underlined the importance of Germany's support for development
projects in the Kingdom and the importance of increasing German investments in
infrastructure projects, especially in alternative energy.
At a joint press conference following the talks, King Abdullah described his
talks with Merkel as fruitful.
The Monarch highlighted the important role Germany and Europe must play during
the coming months to bring the Palestinians and Israelis back to the table,
pointing out that the Arab Peace Initiative provides the Israelis with an
opportunity to achieve peace with Syria and Lebanon and 57 Arab and Islamic
states that do not recognise Israel to date.
The King said he will continue working closely with the German government to
help in launching negotiations in the coming stage, stressing that the Kingdom
will be a strong partner for peace along with Germany and Europe.
The King said what is being discussed at this stage is a joint action involving
the Arabs, Europeans and the Americans working together as one team to create
the appropriate atmosphere for Palestinians and Israelis to start negotiations
and for the Syrians, the Lebanese and other Arab states to take part in such
efforts.
King Abdullah said these efforts will take a clearer shape after US President
Barack Obama meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington later
this month, adding that following this, the Arab states, Europe and the US will
move ahead working out mechanisms to push the peace process forward.
The King said he sees the issue as a regional process, saying it is not solely a
Palestinian-Israeli issue as it is of concern to the entire region.
The Monarch said the Arab and Islamic states are ready to engage in direct
negotiations with the Israelis if the Palestinian issue is resolved on the basis
of the two-state solution, which is in the vital interest of all, including
Israel, Arab nations, Europe and the US.
On bilateral ties, King Abdullah voiced satisfaction over the level of
cooperation, saying the German-Jordanian University is a success story of such
cooperation.
On development projects Jordan is embarking on, the King said there are large
opportunities for cooperation with the German private sector.
Merkel, who commended the King's peace efforts, said the talks covered
cooperation in the fields of energy and renewable energy and several
infrastructure projects such as transport and railway.
On peace efforts, Merkel said her country supports the two-state solution as a
means to realise a peaceful settlement, referring to the US commitment to
advancing the peace process.
Merkel said if no progress is achieved in the peace process in the Middle East,
there will be no progress in reaching a settlement with Iran, stressing the need
for constructive dialogue with Iran but in accordance with specific conditions.
She added that there is a consensus in the world on the need to adopt a joint
approach towards the peace process, saying the Israeli prime minister's visit to
Germany today [Thursday] is an opportunity to try to coordinate peace efforts.
Merkel said her country will work closely with Jordan and the US to support the
peace overture, agreeing with King Abdullah’s view that the coming stage is
critical.
Earlier in the day, King Abdullah met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter
Steinmeier and discussed means to foster bilateral ties in different fields,
stressing his keenness to cement ties with Germany.
King Abdullah and Steinmeier also discussed the situation in the Middle East and
efforts exerted to realise peace in the region.
In this regard, the King said the two-state solution is the best solution to
resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict within a regional context and allows
its people to enter a new era of prosperity and development that ensures a
better, safer and a more secure future.
Also on Wednesday, King Abdullah and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman discussed
over the phone developments in the region and means to foster bilateral ties in
different fields.