King Reiterates Jordan’s Support for Iraq’s Security, Consolidating Ties
Text of report in English by official Jordanian news agency Petra- JNA website
Baghdad, Aug. 11 (Petra) His Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirmed his great concern to support Iraq’s security and stability, which is an essential part of security and stability in the Arab world.
King Abdullah made his remarks during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and Iraqi Vice-President Adel Abdel Mahdi [Adil Abd-al-Mahdi].
“Jordan stands at equal distance from all components of the Iraqi people,” said the King, who arrived in Baghdad earlier on the day on a brief working visit to Iraq.
He noted that uniting efforts of all Iraqis, Sunnis, Shi’is and Kurds with all their political spectra and arranging their internal front, is the only way to build united Iraq as a sovereign state capable of serving its people and its Arab nation.
The King explained that Iraq would always remain an advocate of the Arab nation’s causes and urged all Arab states and peoples to lend their support to Iraq at this particular time because a powerful Iraq is a source of strength for the Arab nation.
Jordan, His Majesty added is very keen on consolidating relations with Iraq and assisting the Iraqi people to surmount the challenges facing their country so as to be able to restore its pivotal role on the both Arab and international scenes.
To that end, King Abdullah noted Jordan’s recent decision to appoint an ambassador to Iraq. He described the step as a strong push to further cement relations with the Iraqi brothers.
The King hoped his visit to Baghdad will be followed by exchanged visits between officials from the two countries to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations in various fields.
The King’s talks with top Iraqi officials covered ways to encourage private sectors in either country to explore new areas for launching joint projects. King Abdullah stressed the necessity to build on the outcome of the Jordanian-Iraqi Higher Committee meeting held recently in Amman.
The King and Iraqi premier also discussed the existing economic and trade relations which can be developed to the best interest of the peoples in the two countries. An Iraqi oil supply to cover part of Jordan’s oil demand was also a topic on the agenda.
Maliki [Al-Maliki] welcomed the royal visit to his country describing it as a positive and advanced step to strengthen ties between the two countries and it opens the door for other Arab countries to develop relations with Iraq.
Iraqi Vice-President affirmed his country’s interest to promote relations with its Arab neighbours to contribute to activating the joint Arab action.
Maliki and Mahdi appreciated King Abdullah’s diligent efforts to assist the Iraqi people to overcome the current difficult circumstance and build a country capable of addressing aspirations of its people for better future.
During the visit, King Abdullah was updated on the Iraqi government’s efforts to enhance Iraq’s stability and security and foster national reconciliation between all political powers in the country.
Originally published by Petra-JNA website, Amman, in English 1708 11 Aug 08.
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