King Abdullah meets with Albright
Jordan-UN, Politics, 5/17/1999

Jordan's King Abdullah met today with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. In his statement after the meeting King Abdullah said they discussed the Kosovo situation, the Middle East peace process, and US economic support for Jordan.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for the US economic support of Jordan, saying that after King Hussein's death earlier this year, "The United States stepped forward to assist us through this very difficult time." He said Jordan is giving attention to improving its economy, saying, "We'll do our utmost to move the Jordanian economy in the right direction so that we can get ourselves on our own two feet and be able to shoulder the responsibilities that we must provide to a stable and peaceful region."

Albright expressed hope that "final action" would be taken this week on a $100 million request for supplemental aid to Jordan. She also placed importance on Jordan "moving forward on economic reforms, on a good relationship with the IMF."

On Jordanian membership in the World Trade Organization, King Abdullah added, "I think that we need to move as quickly as possible to be part of the WTO." He said Jordan will pay a high price in the future, "if we don't move fast enough."

He also said that Jordan is "fully committed to the peace process," and described his talks with Albright on the peace process as "very interesting." He added, "Jordan has always had a commitment to move the process forward and to stand by our friends in Israel and the Palestinians. We are committed to a bright future and the legacy that His Majesty had left us."

King Abdullah said that Jordan is "very concerned" about events in Kosovo, indicating that Jordan will give political support to the US and NATO on this issue.

Albright said, "Jordan's humanitarian contributions in the Balkans are greatly appreciated. Queen Rania recently accompanied a shipment of supplies to the region, and Jordanian doctors and nurses are at work there now"

On the US stand toward the peace process, Albright said, "We continue to be dedicated to the implementation of the Wye process, to the resumption of permanent status negotiations on an accelerated basis, and we want to see a comprehensive peace process go forward; which means that not only in addition to the Palestinian track, that there be an invigorated Syrian and Lebanese track also."

Questioned about the changes in Iran, King Abdullah said there are "very interesting and wonderful changes in Iran." He added, "We keep our fingers crossed that the momentum continues."

King Abdullah's visit to the United States is also scheduled to include a meeting with US President Bill Clinton.

Previous Stories:
  King Abdullah to visit US   (5/15/1999)
  Canceling censorship over foreign printings to Jordan   (5/15/1999)
  King Abdullah: A new page opened in Syrian - Jordanian relations   (5/13/1999)
  King Abdullah starts his Western tour   (5/11/1999)

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