Global Arab Network | Jordan-Lebanon talks strategic Arab projects

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Jordan-Lebanon talks strategic Arab projects

Jordanian Prime Minister Nader Dahabi held talks with his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora on Arab developments, ways to boost joint trade exchange, and strategic Arab projects, which link a number of Arab countries.
Dahabi, in a joint press conference , said his talks with Siniora came on the sidelines of the 17 Arab Economic Forum, held in the Lebanese capital early this month, particularly, at a time, ongoing efforts eye to achieve inter -Arab reconciliation and end Arab rifts.

Arab relations, Dahabi added, are " good" at the aftermath of Kuwait Economic Summit and 21st Doha Summit.

Talks, Dahabi said, also centered on Mideast peace process and Arab Peace Initiative, underlining " the King's talks with new US administration, during his forthcoming visit to Washington, will focus on this significant Saudi-proposed initiative and peace efforts".

The Monarch's remarks in Sharm El-Sheikh highlighted need to reach a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict now and not resuming a new process as in the past," Dahabi pointed out.

Jordan's leadership, Dahabi said, will discuss this key issue of peace with President Obama's administration and new Israeli Cabinet, adding the Kingdom supports different efforts aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital and this goal is a " priority to Jordan".

Responding to a question on whether the Arab Peace Initiative is no longer on the table, Dahabi said Arab leaders unanimously agreed at 21st Arab Summit in Doha to keep this significant peace plan an option and discuss it with new US administration and Israel’s leaders.

"We persistently speak about peace and an alternative to this strategy is not handy.

Arab countries are resolved to press ahead with this peace bid, revive it and lay out a timetable for its implementation through speaking to President Obama and Israeli government.

Objection to this policy is ruled out," Dahabi pointed out.

The return of Palestinian refugees , water and border issues, Dahabi said, will be discussed in the final-status negotiations.

Asked on whether Jordan forwarded an invitation to Siniora to visit Jordan concomitant with Pope Bendictus XVI's trip, Dahabi said a number of Lebanese officials are invited to attend activities slated for this occasion.

"We are optimistic on pontiff’s visit to the Kingdom amidst global economic crisis and its expected adverse impact on the region's tourism sector," he added.

Dahabi underlined convening the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea is "a very important conference," which will bring together prominent Arab and foreign economic and political figures.

The Kingdom has already received and used the Arab gas deliveries and production of a huge gas well near the Iraqi-Syrian border if pumped by Syrian gas pipe may reach Lebanon easier and faster, Dahabi responded to a question on carrying Arab gas to Lebanon through Jordan.

Siniora , on his part, said Dahabi's visit to Beirut is "a key opportunity" to discuss different Arab issues and rigorous challenges facing the Arab nation.

Talks, Siniora added, focused on ways to bolster joint cooperation, saying the gas and energy pact signed by Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt boosted mutual ties to higher levels.

"The implementation of this key cooperation agreement is very vital to the four Arab countries and its positive impact will be clear on energy sectors," Siniora pointed out.

Arab gas grid project, Siniora affirmed, is "very important," adding 80 per cent of Jordan’s electricity is generated using Egyptian gas.

Its deliveries will reach Syria and Lebanon and it can be used to generate electrical power at affordable cost.

Increasing Arab trade exchange, Siniora said, will create job opportunities for Arab workforce in home countries.

Talks, Siniora added, stressed need to ease trade and tourism flow between the two countries and ways to tackle the adverse repercussions of world economic crisis on Arab economy. (Petra)
Arab Global Network

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