NEW DELHI, 1 December 2006 — Jordan’s King Abdallah and Queen Rania arrived here yesterday on a three-day visit that is expected to give a fresh impetus to burgeoning economic relations between the two countries.
This is the first state visit of the monarch to New Delhi.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and King Abdallah will discuss today a wide array of bilateral and global issues, including terrorism and the Middle East peace process.
India and Jordan are expected to sign five pacts in investment protection, agriculture tourism, information technology and cultural exchange today.
The 44-year-old monarch, who has been ruling the country for the last seven years, will also meet President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and ruling United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during his visit to India. He will also meet top Muslim figures.
The king will deliver a keynote address on the India-Jordan relations at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and meet top Indian business leaders at a separate meeting Thursday evening.
