His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed Thursday on the necessity of uniting the EU and the international community efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.



His Majesty said, during a meeting with the new President of the
European Commission Jose Manuel Barozo, that exploiting the current
chance to move the peace process forward is an urgent need,
stressing on the necessity of creating the suitable conditions for
the Palestinians and Israelis to go back to the dialogue and to
commit to the roadmap.



The King called for enabling the Palestinian leadership from
arranging its priorities and hold elections.



During the meeting, which was attended by the King's accompanying
delegation, the two sides discussed ways of supporting efforts that
aim to restore security and stability to Iraq so that Iraqis can
achieve a bright future.



His Majesty the King said that Amman Message showed the real
image of Islam whose principles are justice, equality and tolerance
and at the same time violates violence, extremism, and strictness,
adding that what we look for is to deliver this message for the
European community.



On his Part, Barozo expressed appreciation of the European
commission for the constructive role of Jordan in the region,
stressing the distinguished relations between Jordan and the EU and
its support for the reform programs implemented by Jordan in all
domains.



The King outlined Jordan's developmental plans during the next
two years, calling for increasing the European aid for Jordan,
opening its markets in front of the Jordanian products and providing
the needed fund for the regional projects especially in the water
sector, scientific research and development.



King Abdullah hailed the European aid to Jordan which contributed
to implementing many developmental projects.



Present at the meeting were Minister of Planning and
International Cooperation Bassem Awad Allah, Minister of the Royal
Court Sameer Rifia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hani Mulqi and the
Jordanian Ambassador in Brussels Muhyi Eddin Touq and a number of
European senior officials.



In press statements following the meeting His Majesty King
Abdullah II said that I am very pleased with the discussion that
took place today. Over the years our relations with the EU have
become very special indeed, and we look forward to an even closer
partnership in the years ahead.



"We are absolutely pleased with the progress achieved under
the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and believe that the ENP will
further enhance the partnership that we have developed over nearly
10 years of the Barcelona process" said King Abdullah who also added
that we are also very grateful for all the support received under
the MEDA Program, and the agreement of today attests to the
continued European support for our reform and the development
efforts.



"We are also keen to expand trade with Europe, and hope to be
able to accelerate the cumulating process with our regional partners
toward the end" added King Abdullah.



"We discussed the situation in Iraq and both Mr. Barroso and I
have emphasized the important role which we believe the International



Community has to play in creating an atmosphere that is more
conductive to political and economic reconstruction. Our common
objective is a united, democratic, stable and violence-free Iraq"
noted the King.



His Majesty the King said that I also expressed our gratitude for
the support that Europe is extending for the reconstruction efforts
in Iraq, adding that at this critical time, the Peace Process is a
pressing issue indeed. Only a viable independent Palestinian state,
in accordance with the principles of the Road Map, can secure a
genuine, lasting and just peace in the Middle East.



King Abdullah added that the engagement of the international
community, in supporting the next Palestinian elections and building
democratic institutions, is imperative and that the role of the EU
and the Quartet is particularly important. We shall continue our
ongoing contacts with Mr. Solana in this regard.



On his part, Barozo expressed appreciation over the role played
by Jordan, under the Leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in
the region. Barozo described the meeting as constructive and warm.



Barozo added that Jordan deserves all support for its political
and economic reforms, adding that the European Commission has a
working plan for the new ENP frame.



king Abdullah attended the signing ceremony on a 30 million Euro
loan presented by the EU for Jordan which will be devoted for
supporting fighting poverty program through local development.



The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning Bassem Awad
Allah on the Jordanian part and Commissioner for External
Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner.



Awad Allah said that this agreement aims to support the Jordanian
government's efforts in the field of domestic development to enable
it to alleviate poverty and improve the citizens' life standards.



The minister added that this program focuses on improving the
provided governmental services through developing the institutional
and vocational abilities of institutions concerned in the local
development.



The EU provided Jordan with about 269 million Euro during
(1996-2000) within the European aid program MEDA-1 and the EU aid
presented through MEDA-2 is expected to reach 302 million Euro
during (2001-2006).



The European fund aims to finance a number of programs that aim
at enhancing trade between Jordan and the EU and support the
economic and social reforms within the economic and social
transformation program, developing the higher education, enhancing
the role of the civil society, sovereignty of law and human rights.