His Majesty King Abdullah II returned on Friday from a several-day Asian working tour that took him to Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan. The King and the leaders of the three respective countries discussed issues concerning the Islamic world, the regional situation and bilateral ties.



During his meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the King outlined Jordan's efforts to counter distortions of Islam and stressed the need for Islamic countries to coordinate their efforts to clarify the true principles of Islam. President Susilo expressed his country's support of the King's efforts to defend Islam. The two leaders stressed the importance of combating terrorism. Both Jordan and Indonesia have been targets of terrorist attacks.



Their talks also covered the Middle East peace process and means to support the Palestinian National Authority following the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The two leaders also agreed that the participation of all Iraqis in the political process is vital to the realization of a stable, secure Iraq. They also discussed opportunities of increasing the volume of bilateral trade exchange as well as the possibility of signing a free trade agreement between the two countries.



In Malaysia, King Abdullah's meeting with King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin focused on the development of bilateral relations and the challenges facing the Islamic world. The two leaders were joined in their discussions by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.



King Abdullah also underlined the importance of dialogue with the West to elucidate the true principles of Islam: justice, equality, coexistence and respect for others. He said he was encouraged by the understanding a positive response to his efforts to launch an interfaith dialogue in the US last month.



The Monarch also elaborated on Jordan's efforts to push the peace process forward and the importance of achieving a just solution for the Palestinians and restoring security and stability in Iraq. He highlighted Malaysia's role in supporting such efforts.



During his meeting with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, King Abdullah said that Jordan supports Pakistan as it copes with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands. The King expressed Jordan's readiness to extend further aid to the country, and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. President Musharaf expressed Pakistan's appreciation for Jordan's support and said he valued its rapid deployment of a field hospital in the wake of the earthquake.



The importance of defending Islam and its values were also a key part of the two leaders' talks, with King Abdullah emphasizing that coping with the challenges facing the Islamic world requires Islamic countries to unite and coordinate their efforts. The King discussed two of Jordan's key initiatives in this regard: an International Islamic Conference in Amman earlier this year and the release of the Amman Message nearly one year ago. The Amman Message articulates the fundamental principles of Islam, including moderation and the rejection of extremism as a deviation from Islamic principles. The Pakistani president commended King Abdullah for Jordan's efforts.



In the political sphere, the two countries underlined the importance of advancing the peace process to enable Palestinians to regain their legal rights and to establish a viable, independent state. The two leaders affirmed that the participation of all Iraqis in the political process is vital to the realization of a united, democratic, stable and violence-free Iraq in which the rights of all Iraqis are protected.