King takes part in Sun Valley forum

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania, has participated in the Sun Valley Economic Forum held in Idaho, US, along with international economic and political figures, a Royal Court statement said Saturday.

On the sidelines of the forum, His Majesty met with several US and international businesspeople and presidents of leading companies, and discussed with them ways to enhance economic cooperation with the Kingdom.

The King also reviewed means to benefit from opportunities and incentives the Jordanian investment environment provides, as well as the trade agreements connecting the Kingdom with major global markets.

King Abdullah also took part in a dialogue session, run by former US diplomat William Burns, which tackled regional and international issues, the statement added. 

During the session, His Majesty presented his vision vis-à-vis regional crises and ways to address the ensuing threats through political solutions, stressing the Kingdom's stand in support of international efforts that follow a comprehensive approach in dealing with terrorism as a major threat to world peace. 

The political solution to the Syrian crisis, which Jordan has always advocated, is the only way to end the conflict, King Abdullah stressed, reiterating the need to intensify international cooperation addressing the Syrian refugee crisis that has placed increasing pressures on Jordan, a host of some 1.3 million Syrians.

His Majesty called on the international community to shoulder its share of responsibility towards the Syrian refugees, describing the burden as an international humanitarian crisis.

King Abdullah also went over conditions in some regional countries, especially Iraq and Libya, and ways to deal with these challenges, mainly those related to fighting terror organisations, foremost of which is Daesh. 

At the local level, the King stressed that despite the challenges posed by regional crises, Jordan is moving forward, guided by a comprehensive future vision and a roadmap to reform and sustainable development.

The King cited reform-oriented laws Jordan has effected within the past few years, noting that the Kingdom will hold parliamentary elections in September.

On the sidelines of the event, King Abdullah on Thursday met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The two leaders discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations and the international and regional developments.

They also went over ways to extend economic cooperation in regard of the investment and economic agreements that already bind the two countries.

His Majesty expressed Jordan’s appreciation of the Canadian support through aid programmes and pledges made at the London conference.

Talks also covered the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, developments in Iraq and the need to intensify global efforts to combat terrorism and extremism through a comprehensive strategy.

For his part, Trudeau underlined the world community’s appreciation of Jordan’s efforts, led by His Majesty, in dealing wisely with regional crises and the challenges resulting from them, in addition to the King’s endeavours to achieve peace and enhance stability and security in the region and the world. 

Since 1983, the Sun Valley Economic Forum has been held annually in July and leading businessmen from world countries converge on the valley every year to meet and discuss political and economic challenges and their repercussions.