(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Following is the full text of His Majesty King Abdullah II's speech at the lunch banquet: "In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate, Your Majesties, Prime Minister, Dear friends, Rania and I are truly delighted to be here in the Netherlands again. And, truly, on behalf of all of us, our tremendous thanks for the warm hospitality and the kindness that we've been shown since our arrival here.
Mr Prime Minister, over the past few years, you and I have worked together on some truly challenging issues global security, climate change, the refugee crisis.
Our countries cooperate closely in the fight against global terror, and stand together in the international coalition against Daesh, or ISIS.
We are also partners in bilateral and multilateral programmes, private-sector initiatives, and academic exchanges. And Jordan deeply, deeply appreciates being among the new partner countries that are designated a focus of Dutch development cooperation.
As you have recognised, today's situation demands a new sense of urgency. We in Jordan have 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and they have put a huge burden on our people and economy. Creative solutions are essential to give our young people the tools and opportunities they need to build secure futures, and also help refugees, especially youth, prepare to return home with the skills and civic values needed to rebuild their countries.
This is the heart of Jordan's world-recognised refugee response plan. In the days ahead, we hope to work closely with you and your government to move forward with sustainable, inclusive development, maximise the use of our scarce resources, and take advantage of Jordan's abundant strengths, including our talented, aspiring people.
We welcome Dutch trade, investment, and innovation, particularly in areas like alternative energy, ICT, education and the environment. These are priorities for us, not only because they have major potential, but because they contribute to strength across our economy.
One especially important focus is, as you have mentioned Sir, the vital food-water-energy nexus. Jordan is the second water-poorest country in the world. And indeed, the water situation in our two countries could not be more different. But I say that no two countries better understand the profound impact of water management on humanity's future. So I think there are some very fruitful areas for our combined knowledge.
Security cooperation is obviously another area of enormous shared interest and concern. And I have strongly advocated a holistic, comprehensive approach, one that addresses the threat, while also fighting the war of ideas through inclusion and moderation, giving all people especially young people a stake in a future of peace and mutual respect. These are values the Dutch have championed for so long.
Finally, let me say a word about crisis resolution. It is vital to push forward on the Geneva process, to help the parties in Syria reach an inclusive political settlement. But we also cannot lose sight of the region's central crisis the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, or the growing and global concern for the safety of Jerusalem. We need to protect the holy city and get the peace process back on track. As a respected leader of diplomacy and peace, the Netherlands can play an important role.
My friends, I've outlined only a few areas of mutual interest. There are many more opportunities to fulfil the goals that Jordan and the Netherlands share. I welcome your ideas, and I look forward to expanding our partnerships, in creative new ways, in the days ahead." AA More........More.......
21/3/2018 - 06:36:05 PM
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