His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday called on South Korean businesspeople to invest in the Kingdom, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, water desalination and infrastructure.
King Abdullah told an array of businesspeople representing leading companies in South Korea that there is huge potential for fruitful cooperation between the two countries, highlighting the favourable investment climate in the Kingdom.
The King said Jordan's national economy is witnessing steady growth, and the country is determined to improve its economic performance through the adoption of sound policies.
Yesterday's meeting was organised by the South Korean Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Korea-Arab Society, Korean Small- and Medium-sized Business Association and the Federation of Korean Industries.
Describing his talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak as fruitful, King Abdullah said both leaders were optimistic over prospects of further cooperation, especially in light of the increase in the trade exchange volume and agreements the two sides signed.
King Abdullah added that there is a fruitful and growing partnership between Jordan and South Korea, emphasising the private sector's role in enhancing bilateral ties.
South Korea's private sector is likely to help the Kingdom implement the vital Red-Dead Canal project, along with nuclear energy and infrastructure schemes.
Officials from both governments signed on Monday an agreement on cooperation over the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in addition to a memorandum of understanding on economic and development cooperation.
At the business forum, His Majesty underlined the free trade agreements Jordan has signed with key economic powers and regional players, which, the King said, gave Jordan a special status as a gateway to prosperous markets in the Middle East, Europe, the US and Asia, adding that the establishment of special development zones in the country have added value to investments, particularly in fields of services, industry, IT and others.
On political developments in the region, King Abdullah underscored the need for negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to proceed towards the two-state solution.
The King said Israel should choose between continuing to live with a fortress mentality or reaching peace with 57 UN member states that do not recognise the Jewish state unless a solution to the Mideast conflict is reached and an independent Palestinian state is established.
Meanwhile, His Majesty voiced hope that the new US administration would be effectively involved in efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East and build on what the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations have achieved.
In a speech at the gathering, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik said cooperation between the two countries is entering a new stage, especially following the King's visit, which offered an opportunity to know more about Jordan.
He said several South Korean companies are interested in investing in Jordan, especially in infrastructure, energy and water sectors.
King Abdullah returned to Amman Tuesday evening.