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.