Amman (8 October 2008) – His Majesty King Abdullah II will start an official tour of Spain and several Latin American countries on Saturday, October 18.

The tour begins in Madrid, Spain, and will be followed by a state visit to Chile and working visits to Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras and Cuba, where the tour will conclude. His Majesty will be accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah.

According to a Royal Hashemite Court source, the objective of the visit – the King's first to Latin America – is to forge strategic relations, particularly economic and trade relations, between Jordan and the Latin American countries, which have emerged as key players in the global economy and international trade scene.

Strengthening bilateral relations and recent developments in the Middle East will top the agenda of discussions, with several economic and trade agreements expected to be signed, the source said. The visits will also aim to examine horizons for partnerships between the Jordanian private sector and its counterpart in each country.

King Abdullah will also discuss with leaders in Spain and Latin America the various regional issues that top Jordan's priorities and the role that Latin American countries can play in enhancing the security and stability of the Middle East, with special focus on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and the importance of realizing the Palestinian peoples' right to an independent state.

King Abdullah is also expected to discuss ways to enhance Arab-Latin American relations in various fields to support the interest of nations of the two regions.