King Holds Talks with UAE President

Amman
15 March 2003

His Majesty King Abdullah II held talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday with UAE President Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan Al Nahyan that focused on mechanisms to support cooperation between the two countries, in addition to the current developments in the region.

The two leaders also reviewed the latest developments of the Iraqi crisis, expressing hope that this issue will be solved through the UN so to avert Iraq and the region a dangerous war.

His Majesty and president Zayed affirmed the importance of Iraq's cooperation with international efforts and the implementation of UN resolutions.

Talks during the meeting also touched on the situation in the Palestinian lands as well as efforts that aim at launching the peace process.

King Abdullah said that the announcement of the US President George Bush yesterday on the US's commitment to the road map, its implementation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, give strong momentum to the efforts that aim at easing tension and violence in the Palestinian territories.

The King and the UAE president stressed the importance of ending the tragic conditions of the Palestinian people under the Israeli occupation through the resumption of peace talks as soon as possible. Discussions also covered bilateral ties as well as ways of promoting them in the various fields.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for the UAE president's support to Jordan and its development march.

The UAE Crown Prince and Deputy General Commander of the armed forces Sheikh Khalifa Ben Zayed Al Nahyan held a lunch banquet in honour of His Majesty and his accompanying delegation.

The King earlier arrived in Abu Dhabi on a two-day visit to the UAE.

Upon arrival he was received by the UAE Crown Prince and a number of high ranking officials.