His Majesty King Abdullah and Singaporean President S.R. Nathan held talks Saturday on Middle East issues and means to enhance bilateral relations, particularly economic cooperation.

The King and Nathan, who arrived here on a several-day state visit, discussed current efforts to revive the peace process in the Middle East and achieve regional stability, stressing that the Palestinian issue is the core conflict.

King Abdullah and Singaporean president also renewed support for Iraqi government endeavours to restore security and preserve unity.

Nathan was accompanied by his wife, Urmila, several Cabinet ministers, lawmakers and a 21-member business delegation.

King Abdullah hosted a state banquet, attended by Queen Rania, in honour of the Singaporean president.

“Our countries have made important contributions to global security and stability through participation in UN peacekeeping missions around the world… through the training of Iraqi police… and through constructive calls for greater international cooperation to confront extremism and terrorism. We cooperate in better explaining Islam as a tolerant, peaceful way of life. The Amman Message serves as a platform for better understanding and acceptance,” King Abdullah said.

“Like Jordan, Singapore has also been a strident voice for a comprehensive and just Middle East peace based on international legality and justice.”

The King expressed “tremendous admiration and respect for the people of Singapore and their extraordinary achievements”.

“Over the past four decades, your country has become an example to all of us in achievement and success. … Today's Singapore is a regional and economic powerhouse. It is one of the key architects of the global free trade network,” King Abdullah said.

“You have done this in spite of critical development challenges, limited physical resources and a small domestic market — challenges Jordan also shares. Your achievements testify to the great things that sheer determination and investment in the talent of people can achieve.”

The King said Jordan and Singapore share the conviction that investment in people was a pillar of prosperity and a better standard of living for all.

“Vast opportunity for further cooperation between our two countries exists in the fields of science, technology and culture.”

King Abdullah noted that he learnt a lot from his visits to Singapore, especially about investment promotion, developing special economic zones, and “thinking outside of the box about logistics”. Singapore has been a model in these areas, he said.

The King said Singapore's diversity has become “its source of richness. Its values have defined its history, and today its inspiration extends to countries all around the globe”.

Pursuit of world peace and security is also something both countries share, he added.

By working within the framework of Singapore's pioneering Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED), the King said: “We can bring our regions and our peoples closer. Jordan is pleased to co-chair with Singapore the working groups on social, education, scientific, cultural, environmental and media affairs.”

He thanked Singapore's support in establishing a regional vocational training centre.

Both leaders inaugurated the centre, established under AMED, earlier Saturday. The centre was expected to open for trainees in April.

Nathan, for his part, said his country, like Jordan, realises the need to make the voice of reason and moderation heard.

He said he admired the King's interfaith efforts and his endeavours to promote the Amman Message, which clarifies the true message of Islam.

On bilateral economic ties, the Singaporean president said AMED provides both sides with the opportunity to address economic needs of the two peoples.

Praising Singapore's experience in building a strong economy, the King said opportunities were abundant for the private sector in both countries to establish joint ventures in fields like pharmaceuticals, ports management, tourism and IT.

Jordan has previously sought Singapore's help to develop the Aqaba Port.

King Abdullah also highlighted prospects of Jordanian-Singaporean cooperation in research and development as well as employing IT in education.

He described the 2004 Free Trade Agreement the two countries signed as a milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

The Jordan Times