His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday concluded a state visit to Chile and flew to Argentina, the second leg of a Latin American tour.

Following talks with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and senior officials, the two sides issued a joint communiqué in which they voiced determination to expand political dialogue and bilateral ties in the fields of trade, economy, investments, tourism, culture and science, among others.

They underscored the significant role of private sector entities in both countries to increase trade volume and open new channels of economic cooperation.

On the Middle East, the two leaders urged a peaceful, just and permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with international resolutions and the two-state formula.

They also voiced support for efforts to achieve national reconciliation, stability and democracy in Iraq.

The King and Bachelet also condemned all forms of terrorism as a threat to peace, stability and democracy, rejecting linking terrorism with any particular people, religion or culture. They called in this regard for eliminating stereotyping and misconceptions associated with cultures and called for interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

At a presidential banquet held in his honour, the King called for “South-South cooperation at every level”.

Referring to similarities between Jordan and Chile's experiences, the King said: “Your experience is especially meaningful to Jordan. We too have been on a progressive path. For good governance, human rights and gender equality. For economic growth that produces opportunity and a promising future, especially for our young people. For development that makes a difference in people's lives - from education to healthcare and more.”

“And we too, like Chile, have made the commitment to make the difficult decisions, face the challenges and persevere. At home, we are moving forward with reform. In our region, we have staked our future on peace and moderation. On a global level, we have reached out across oceans to friends and partners, to build a future of opportunity and prosperity, for all sides.”

In a speech at the Chilean Congress, which was broadcast live to faculties of humanities at Chilean universities, His Majesty said extreme global uncertainties entail huge potential for the developing world, which can now set the pace “to replace the world's huge wealth gap, with a truly win-win global economy... to liberate our people from poverty and hardship... to secure our countries from threats, whether terrorism or disease or environmental disaster”.

The highest priority, he said, is “to give our young people the opportunities they deserve, to achieve, prosper and lead fulfilling lives”.

The King commended the role played by Chile. “In your region, and around the world, your country has led a new era of cooperation - to share strengths, meet challenges and create new opportunities.”

He also hailed the Arab Chilean community's contributions as an integral part of the country's history and growth. “I am proud that citizens of Jordanian heritage have contributed to this great country. And today, your country's Palestinian community is the largest outside my region.”

He said many Chileans share the spiritual heritage of the Middle East region.

His Majesty added that Jordan and Chile, as developing countries, “seek not only a positive future, but a new role in shaping that future, for the entire world”.

Also Tuesday, the King received Santiago city key from Mayor Raْl Alcaيno and attended a reception held by the Jordanian community in Chile.

King Abdullah said he was extremely optimistic about growing cooperation with Chile, saying building partnership with Chile is essential to open gateways to regional markets and to boost the countries' resiliency against external shocks.

In a speech he delivered at the opening of Jordan Investment Forum in Chile, which is organised by the Jordan Investment Board (JIB), the King said: “Jordan and Chile are separated by seven time zones and more than 13,000 kilometres - but we are near neighbours, when it comes to our global economic approach. We seek a thriving, free economy... powered by innovation... strongly competitive in global markets.”

At the forum, which attracted the participation of Chilean businesspeople and economy officials, King Abdullah said: “For 10 years and more, we in Jordan have had a national strategy... and taken the practical measures... to achieve results. Cooperation, on an international level, has been a major part of that effort.”

“Jordan and MERCOSUR have a cooperation agreement in place, that we hope will lead to a free trade agreement. We are grateful that Chile has supported this important step,” said the King.

He added: “You will find Jordan a willing and able partner. Our country's moderation and stability... our work for regional peace and integration... our commitment to a future of progress: All this is making Jordan a great place for global business.”

“There is tremendous potential for creative linkages between our industries and sectors. It is my hope that today, and in the weeks ahead, you will explore the many opportunities - in tourism, mining, transport, pharmaceuticals and more.”

A total of 20 Jordanian companies took part in the one-day forum, along with key members of Jordanian chambers of commerce and industry, Chile's Industry Federation and the Arab-Chilean Business Council.

Following the forum, King Abdullah met with leading Chilean and Jordanian businesspeople to review scopes of cooperation between the two sides, urging the private sector in both countries to contribute to greater bilateral ties.

Bruno Philippi, president of Chile's Industry Federation, welcomed King Abdullah at the forum, saying the Arab world, as an important economic region, is still not discovered by the Chilean companies, noting that this is the reason behind the establishment of the Arab-Chilean Business Council that seeks to facilitate commercial ties between the two sides.

Philippi expressed hope for signing a free trade agreement with Jordan, especially since the cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding signed at the forum will enhance bilateral commercial and investment relations.

At the forum, the Jordan Chamber of Commerce signed an agreement with the National Chamber of Commerce Services and Tourism of Chile.

The Jordan Chamber of Industry also signed a cooperation agreement with Chile's Industry Federation.

Darwish Khalili, CEO of Middle East Complex for Engineering, Electronics and Heavy Industries, said the King's visit is likely to open up new markets for Jordanian industries.

Also today, the JIB signed a deal with Arab-Chilean Business Council to create a branch in Jordan.