In a verbal message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, conveyed by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi at a meeting with Mubarak in Cairo Monday, the King expressed wishes of prosperity to the Egyptian people, as the two countries concluded extensive talks by signing 10 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU).

The deals, officials said, were designed to boost and streamline cooperation between the two countries at the conclusion of the meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Egyptian Higher Committee.

Dahabi's meeting with Mubarak included discussions on means to bolster cooperation in political, economic and commercial fields.

Talks also focused on several Arab and regional issues, mainly efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Dahabi and his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmad Nazif, also briefed Mubarak on the results of the joint committee's meetings.

At the conclusion of the meetings, Jordan and Egypt signed an MoU to enhance cooperation between the stock markets of both countries, in addition to a similar deal for cooperation in the water sector.

They also inked a programme for cooperation in higher education for the years 2010-2012 and an MoU for cooperation in the field of potable water and sewage.

The deals and memoranda signed also cover means to improve competitiveness and combat market saturation, along with cultural and industrial cooperation. A twinning agreement was also signed between Al Salt Handicraft Training Centre, affiliated with the Labour Ministry, and the Foustat Traditional Crafts Centre affiliated with the Egyptian ministry of culture.

At a joint press conference following the meetings, Dahabi said the meetings helped remove obstacles to trade and investment and will reflect positively on the increasing trade volume between Jordan and Egypt, which reached $828 million in 2008 and $634 million during the first three quarters of this year.

Dahabi said several strategic projects are under way between the two countries, adding that other such ventures will be announced in the near future.

The premier stressed the government's readiness to facilitate Egyptian investment in the Kingdom and its commitment to removing most of the obstacles that have hampered the growth of investment and trade exchange.

Egyptian investments in Jordan totalled more than $800 million at the end of August 2008, distributed among several industrial, agricultural, transport, water, gas and oil distribution companies.

At the press conference, Dahabi said work is under way to create an Arab customs union, adding that Egypt and Jordan will be the nucleus of the union through establishing a bilateral body to govern customs cooperation.

Referring to the regional electric grid project, Dahabi said there are plans to increase the number of countries covered by the project, especially after nuclear energy is used for the generation of power.

In response to a question regarding the ongoing fighting on the border of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the premier stressed Jordan's support for Saudi Arabia in defending its territories against any external threats, adding that Jordan and Egypt take the same stance on this issue.

The Egyptian prime minister highlighted the increase in investments between the two countries, especially in the energy sector, and added that several obstacles have been removed, a matter that will help enhance economic integration.

He also underlined the importance of the role of the private sector in both countries in conducting joint ventures and creating jobs.

In an interview with the Middle East News Agency that was published Monday, Dahabi highlighted Egypt's key role in the region.

Dahabi also referred to the Egyptian labourers in the Kingdom and the government's keenness to preserve the rights of guest workers in the country.

© Jordan Times 2009

 

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