NEW DELHI, 2 December 2006 — Turning to recent history, Jordan’s King Abdallah affirmed yesterday his desire to strengthen relations between India and Jordan. Soon after he was accorded a ceremonial reception at the presidential palace, where he was received by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Abdallah told reporters: “Well, I’m hoping to follow up after the visit of His Majesty King Hussein, when he came in a state visit almost 20 years ago and my hope is that we will be able to start a new and strong relationship between our two countries.”
“We have a lot in common and I hope by me being here and inviting the president and the prime minister to visit us back in Jordan in the very near future, we can bring the people much closer and start a new era of relations between Jordan and India,” Abdallah said.
The visiting king and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held wide-ranging discussions yesterday, which were followed by the signing of four pacts. These included agreements in the field of agriculture, on promotion and protection of investments, cultural exchange programs and tourism.
Abdallah, accompanied by his wife Queen Rania and a high-level delegation, arrived here on Thursday. Soon after his arrival here, Abdallah delivered a keynote address at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), India’s think-tank on foreign policy. Referring to the peace process in the Middle East, Abdallah said: “The core conflict in our region continues to be fueled by the denial of rights to Palestinians.”
This called for “a visible sovereign Palestine which will allow for comprehensive regional security,” which “requires support of major powers and countries like India,” Abdallah emphasized. Abdallah also highlighted the importance of a stable Iraq for peace and security in the world. On the Kashmir-problem, Abdallah said: “Jordan also hopes India and Pakistan are able to find a peaceful solution to the Kashmir problem.”
