Speech

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER WELCOMES KING ABDULLAH II OF JORDAN

July 13, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

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It is an honour and a pleasure for me to welcome to Canada, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

His Majesty is a principled leader who has been a tireless advocate for moderation, peace and progress in the Middle East.

We have had very productive meetings this morning on both bilateral and wider issues.

On bilateral matters, I'm pleased to announce that Canada and Jordan have concluded an air transport agreement and a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement.

We will also be commencing a study into the feasibility of a free trade agreement, with a view to beginning negotiations next year.

Canada will also be providing further assistance to Jordan to support literacy, land mine clearance, women's participation in development and local election capacity.

I would also like to draw attention to the launch tomorrow of Jordan's first mortgage loan insurance company, Darkom.

By sharing expertise, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been a key partner in this venture.

On broader matters, we discussed a wide range of regional issues in the Middle East, including governance and human rights.

We share a common commitment to promote peace in the region.

We are both supportive of the government of Palestinian President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad, and are close friends and partners with Israel.

Let me conclude by affirming the deep respect I have for his Majesty and for his leadership in the Middle East.

We admire his promotion of peace and pluralism, both within the Islamic community and between Islam and other faiths.

The world needs many more leaders who will promote the principles for which King Abdullah stands with his courage and conviction.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Public events for July 15, 2007

July 13, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Sunday, July 15th are:

12:50 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper departs for his visit to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Canada Reception Centre
Hangar 11
190 Convair Private
Ottawa, ON

*Photo opportunity only*

Note: Please be at the Canada Reception Centre no later than 12:00 p.m.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS WITH KING ABDULLAH II OF JORDAN

July 13, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

At the conclusion of a working visit to Canada by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today expressed satisfaction that the two countries are embarking on a modern, forward looking relationship.

"I wish to thank King Abdullah for visiting Canada at this important time," the Prime Minister said. "Our meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership that exists between Canada and Jordan, and served as a clear reminder of the King's steadfast leadership, both in his own country and in the Middle East more broadly."

During their meeting, Prime Minister Harper and King Abdullah welcomed the conclusion of negotiations resulting in a new air transport agreement and a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement – first steps toward eventual open skies and free trade agreements between the two countries. The King and the Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction at seeing the fruits of practical cooperation in the inauguration on July 14 of the first mortgage insurance company in Jordan, called DARKOM. The product of a partnership between United Arab Investors Company and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, DARKOM will contribute to providing affordable housing to people of all income levels.

The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will continue its development assistance in Jordan, in areas of educational reform, human resource development, peace and security, governance, and greater equality between women and men.

"These new agreements and our agenda for the future are clear signs that the relationship between our two countries is moving in the right direction," the Prime Minister said. "What we have begun here today shows that Canada is ready to show practical and political support for that leadership."

Prime Minister Harper commended the King on his leadership in advancing peace in the Middle East, and for his efforts to promote a vision of peace and pluralism both within the Islamic community and between Islam and other faiths. The leaders agreed on the vital importance of continuing to pursue a two-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and on the necessity of negotiation between the parties.

"We strongly support countries that support values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. And we have no tolerance for those groups and individuals who use violence and terror to further their political ends," the Prime Minister concluded. "Peace in the Middle East will flow from principled nations. From those who take a stand for what is right.

"By repeatedly taking risks for peace, Jordan stands as an example for the region and the world."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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