Jordan hopes to sign free trade agreement with Russia
Jordan Times - 18/08/2005
Jordan hopes to sign free trade agreement with Russia
MOSCOW (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah will meet today with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on ways to develop bilateral ties, particularly in the economic fields.
The two leaders will also discuss the Middle East peace process and the Russian role, especially after Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
During their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the King and the Russian president will also discuss the situation in Iraq and the international fight against terror.
In an interview with the Russian news agency, Itar-Tass, and the Moscow-based Channel One TV, King Abdullah said economic relations between the two countries are very important and need to be strengthened, while the role of the private sector should be enhanced in both countries.
He said Jordan hopes to sign a free trade agreement with Russia.
King Abdullah said the visit focuses on boosting the relationship between Jordan and Russia, noting that Moscow has a key role to play as a member of the international Quartet that drafted the roadmap to the Middle East peace process. Russia’s continued support for the Palestinians and the Israelis is "just what we need," he said.
The Monarch, meanwhile, talked to the agency and the TV station about Jordan’s efforts to spell out the true essence of Islam, stressing that the majority of Muslim nations should step-up their efforts against terrorism.
On Wednesday, the King and the accompanying delegation visited the MAKS 2005 International Aviation and Space Salon, a showcase for Russian military and civilian aircraft held in Zhukovsky near Moscow. Around 520 Russian companies are taking part in the exhibition.
The King was briefed on state-of-the-art military products and new technologies in aircraft engines, aerial navigation, missile systems, air defence systems and space equipment.
The delegation groups Their Royal Highnesses Prince Feisal and Prince Hamzah as well as Royal Court Chief Faisal Fayez and the King’s Adviser on Security Affairs and Director of the National Security Field Marshal Saad Kheir.
