PRIME
MINISTER HARPER CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS WITH KING ABDULLAH II
OF JORDAN
OTTAWA
– At the conclusion of a working visit to Canada by King Abdullah II bin
Al‑Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper today expressed satisfaction that the two countries are
embarking on a modern, forward‑looking relationship.
“I
wish to thank King Abdullah for visiting Canada at this important time,”
the Prime Minister said. “Our meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership
that exists between Canada and Jordan, and served as a clear reminder of
the King’s steadfast leadership, both in his own country and in the
Middle East more broadly.”
During
their meeting, Prime Minister Harper and King Abdullah welcomed the
conclusion of negotiations resulting in a new air transport agreement and
a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement – first steps
toward eventual open skies and free trade agreements between the two
countries. The King and the Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction at
seeing the fruits of practical cooperation in the inauguration on July 14
of the first mortgage insurance company in Jordan, called DARKOM. The
product of a partnership between United Arab Investors Company and Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation, DARKOM will contribute to providing
affordable housing to people of all income levels.
The
Prime Minister also announced that Canada will continue its development
assistance in Jordan, in areas of educational reform, human resource
development, peace and security, governance, and greater equality between
women and men.
“These
new agreements and our agenda for the future are clear signs that the
relationship between our two countries is moving in the right
direction,” the Prime Minister said. “What
we have begun here today shows that Canada is ready to show practical and
political support for that leadership.”
Prime
Minister Harper commended the King on his leadership in advancing peace in
the Middle East, and for his efforts to promote a vision of peace and
pluralism both within the Islamic community
and between Islam and other faiths. The leaders agreed on the vital
importance of continuing to pursue a two-state solution to the
Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, and on the necessity of negotiation
between the parties.
“We strongly support countries that support values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. And we have no tolerance for those groups and individuals who use violence and terror to further their political ends,” the Prime Minister concluded. “Peace in the Middle East will flow from principled nations. From those who take a stand for what is right.
“By
repeatedly taking risks for peace, Jordan stands as an example for the
region and the world.”
