Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah Start a Working Visit to the United States

(September 16, 2006, New York, NY)   – Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah began today a several-day working visit to the United States, during which His Majesty will join heads of state and world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly 61st Session, which opened on the 12th of this month.

His Majesty King Abdullah will address the General Assembly on Tuesday, September 19, underscoring the need for the international community to bear its responsibilities in establishing a global partnership for peace and stability in the Middle East. His Majesty will also meet with a number of world leaders for an exchange of views on recent developments in the Middle East as well as means to expand bilateral relations between Jordan and these countries.

His Majesty will also take part in the Arab and American Action Forum's first meeting, organized by the Young Arab Leaders. More than 200 participants are expected at the Forum in New York, where His Majesty will deliver the keynote address tackling the importance of partnership and coordination between Arab business leaders and their global counterparts. His Majesty will also highlight the positive role played by these young leaders in the Middle East and their contribution to global progress.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and World Economic Forum Executive Chairman and Founder Klaus Schwab will be among the most prominent participants at the Forum.

On Wednesday, September 20, His Majesty King Abdullah will launch the Group of Eleven/Lower-Middle Income Countries initiative to mobilize international support to facilitate the acceleration of economic growth in these countries.

The meeting, organized by Jordan, will bring together Croatia, Ecuador, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.

In opening remarks, His Majesty will stress the importance of creating partnerships between participating countries and developed states, particularly the G8 members, with the aim of enhancing reform efforts, development and economic stability. He will also shed light on the common challenges faced by these countries, namely, poverty, unemployment, debt, fluctuating energy prices and regional instability.

During his New York visit, the King will also participate in the Clinton Global Initiative, where he will address the need for establishing a framework for global development and partnership. His Majesty will also focus on the need to foster global understanding and respect to contribute to conflict resolution.

His Majesty will also meet with a group of American and international business leaders for an exchange of views on the role of the private sector in accelerating global development and creating job opportunities. The King will also brief the group on Jordan's strategy for economic growth and development.

For More Information: email Khaled Dalal at kdalal@rhc.jo. call 646-591-7620, or email