Following is the full text of US President George W. Bush's letter to His Majesty King Abdullah:



His Majesty King Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.



Your Majesty,



I wish to tell you how much I enjoyed seeing you during your visit to Washington. As always, our discussion proved invaluable in helping me understand the range of issues that face your country at this time of challenge and opportunity in the Middle East.

It was useful for us to review the many bilateral issues on our agenda. I am pleased and proud that the bilateral relationship between our countries has never been stronger. We continue to strengthen our bilateral trade and investment ties, creating new opportunities for workers in Jordan and the United States. Our Free Trade Agreement continues to be a model for the region as we pursue a Middle East Free Trade Area. And cooperation on economic issues is stronger than ever. I am pleased that the United States has so vigorously supported your vision of a peaceful and prosperous Jordan through direct support for the Social and Economic Transformation Programme, our bilateral aid programmes, and through our strong support for Your Majesty's reforms at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.



We also reviewed the broad range of regional issues facing Jordan. The United States is grateful to your Kingdom for its enduring friendship. Our two countries have worked closely to ensure that the region, and indeed the world, is safer, more prosperous, and more free. With a dictator in Baghdad no longer menacing the Middle East, the people of Jordan and all Iraq's neighbours are now safer. A peaceful, prosperous, and free Iraq will contribute to your security and your prosperity. The United States strongly supports the efforts of the UN secretary general's special adviser, Lakhdar Brahimi, to develop in consultation with Iraqis and the coalition and by the end of May the plan for the Iraqi Interim Government. On June
30, the occupation will end, and the sovereign Iraqi Interim Government will take office. In all the United States has done in Iraq, we have always taken the interests of Jordan carefully into account.



With the transfer of sovereignty to free Iraqis on the horizon, we must work together to advance our shared goal of a free, stable and prosperous region. Under your leadership, Jordan has been a driving force for reform and change in the Middle East. Your Majesty's hosting of the World Economic Forum meeting this month will be an important milestone in clearly demonstrating to the world that the region is yearning for reform and opportunity. The subject of reform in the entire Middle East will be central at the G-8 Summit in June, and any guidance that emerges from the WEF will be most helpful as a guide for future action.



During our visit, I was pleased to be able to discuss the ongoing quest for a just and durable peace in the Middle East. I commend your efforts in the pursuit of peace and justice in the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. I remain committed as ever to my June 24, 2002 vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, and to the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent. I support the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to withdraw settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. This bold plan can make a real contribution toward peace. The United States will not prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations, and all final status issues must still emerge from negotiations between the parties in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. The roadmap - the only plan endorsed by the United Nations, the European Union, Russia, the United States, and so many countries around the world as well as by Israel and the Palestinians - represents the best pathway towards realising that vision, and I am committed to making it a reality.



You have been a strong supporter of the peace process and efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli dispute in a just and fair manner. The United States intends to continue to work closely with you to help achieve that goal, and to assist you in your historic efforts to lead Jordan toward greater peace, freedom, and prosperity.



Your Majesty, I understand that your country and your people have important interests at stake in any settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. And I know that your country has important interests in the emergence of a new Iraq. I assure you that my government views Jordan's security, prosperity, and territorial integrity as vital, and we will oppose any developments in the region that might endanger your interests.



Sincerely,


George Bush