Official Text
Public Affairs Section - Press Office
Embassy of the United States of America - Amman

ARRIVAL STATEMENTS OF VICE PRESIDENT RICHARD CHENEY IN AMMAN - JORDAN
MARCH 12, 2002

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15 March 2002

Jordan is a Force For Peace, Cheney Says in Amman (He Expects "Frank" Discussions on Urgent Regional Matters) Upon his arrival in Jordan March 12, Vice President Dick Cheney praised Jordan as "a force for peace and against violence" in the Middle East. "President Bush has asked me to come to the Middle East to confer with regional leaders on issues of great importance, especially our cooperative efforts in fighting the threat of global terror and our determination to promote Arab-Israeli peace and reconciliation," Cheney said.

"King Abdullah has demonstrated his commitment to peace in the Middle East and has never wavered from his commitment even during difficult times," Cheney said. "I expect frank discussions on the urgent matters facing this region and all of the civilized world."

Cheney's visit to Jordan marked the beginning of consultations with leaders of nine Arab nations. He said talks would focus on counterterrorism and regional stability as well as bilateral concerns. He was also to meet with leaders in the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Israel before returning to Washington.

Following are the statements of Cheney and Jordan's Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb, upon Cheney's arrival in Amman, March 12.

(begin transcript)

Official Text
Public Affairs Section - Press Office
Embassy of the United States of America - Amman

ARRIVAL STATEMENTS OF VICE PRESIDENT RICHARD CHENEY IN AMMAN - JORDAN MARCH 12, 2002

PRIME MINISTER ALI ABUL RAGHEB: Mr. Vice President: On behalf of the people and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I would like to welcome you and your accompanying delegation. We look forward to having productive discussions with you and your team, and we are confident that these talks will serve to enhance the excellent and very special relations that bind Jordan and the United States of America. The visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II to Washington last month provided yet another opportunity to promote bilateral cooperation in the political economic and military fields.

Your visit today will give us the chance to follow up on these discussions. Let me assure you, Mr. Vice President, that we are eager to promote this coordination. Let me also add that we are very grateful for all the assistance we are receiving from the United States particularly in the economic domain. As the Free Trade Agreement between our two countries enters its second year, we are confident that private investments will increase as a result and will further contribute to sustaining economic growth in Jordan.

Mr. Vice President, Jordan shares with the United States the common interest of establishing a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We look forward to discussing how best to cooperate in getting the forces of peace back on track, and ending the tragic escalation of violence west of the River Jordan. We continue to believe that stability, peace and security in this region will not be achieved without a viable and secure Palestinian state. The active involvement of the United States in ending the bloodshed and in bringing about the desired outcome is necessary for those who desire life, peace and prosperity. The Middle East has suffered for too long, and it is high time for all its peoples to enjoy freedom, stability and security.

Once again, let me welcome you, Sir, in Jordan, and you are all among friends. Thank you very much.

VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: Mr. Prime Minister: Thank you very much. It is a pleasure to be in Jordan this evening. I have had the pleasure of meeting with the Prime Minister and with King Abdullah several times during their visits to my country and look forward to my meeting this evening, and I want to thank the Prime Minister and the King for their hospitality.

President Bush has asked me to come to the Middle East to confer with regional leaders on issues of great importance, especially our cooperative efforts in fighting the threat of global terror and our determination to promote Arab-Israeli peace and reconciliation. We will confer as well about other challenges to regional security, and the threat that weapon of mass destruction pose to all of us. It is fitting that this mission should begin in Jordan since this nation and the United States have such a strong, long-standing bilateral relationship. America deeply appreciates the help and cooperation our coalition has received from His Majesty and the Jordanian people. So too did the people of Afghanistan who have endured decades of violence and years of tyranny. It was Jordanians who built the first coalition hospital in Afghanistan where thousands of people have subsequently received care. Jordan has also sought to be a force for peace and against violence in this region. King Abdullah has demonstrated his commitment to peace in the Middle East and has never wavered from his commitment even during difficult times. As President Bush made clear last week, the United States will do all it can to help to end the tragic violence between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and return the parties to a productive negotiating process.

His Majesty and I will be addressing this subject as well and my government places great importance on his views. Also on the agenda, is our shared interest in expanding trade and investment opportunities between our two countries. The U.S.-Jordan free trade agreement and our active assistance program are clear and tangible evidence of America's support for Jordan, for its economic reforms, and for King Abdullah's leadership. Here, and throughout this journey, I expect frank discussions on the urgent matters facing this region and all of the civilized world. Shortly, I will be receiving the counsel of the King of Jordan and his advisors.

To this land and to every nation that I visit on this trip, I bring with me the respect and good wishes of the American people and the President of the United States. Thank you.

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