Korea interested in Kingdom’s energy, water projects

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday arrived in Seoul and met separately with Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Chung Ui-hwa and Korean parliamentary leaders over cooperation and the latest regional developments.

During his meeting with Chung, King Abdullah praised the "deep-rooted" historical relations between the two countries, and expressed keenness on developing them at the political, economic, cultural and parliamentary levels, a Royal Court statement said. 

The speaker welcomed His Majesty's visit to South Korea, commending the King's efforts and Jordan's developmental achievements.

Chung also commended the Kingdom's role in the region, stressing his country's willingness to enhance economic, political and security cooperation with Jordan.

The King and the lawmaker agreed on the importance of Seoul's contribution to investment and development schemes in the Kingdom, especially in the fields of energy, water and manufacturing, the statement added.

The latest developments in the region and the Syrian crisis, in addition to regional and international efforts exerted in the war against terrorism were also tackled, with King Abdullah urging concerted global efforts against terrorism that threatens the world’s security and peace.

Chung voiced his country’s interest in enhancing Jordan’s capabilities in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Director of the King’s Office Jafar Hassan and senior officials and diplomats from both sides attended the meeting.

His Majesty also met with President of the governing Saenuri Party Kim Moo-sung and President of the Parliamentary Jordanian-Korean Friendship Association Lee Cheol-uoo, and agreed with them on the need to enhance bilateral ties at all levels.

The Monarch underlined opportunities to expand economic relations between Amman and Seoul, stressing that the Kingdom is looking forward to benefiting from Korea’s expertise in various fields of interest, the statement added.

Discussions also addressed parliamentary cooperation and ways to ensure better political coordination on issues of mutual concern.

The Korean officials expressed their country’s interest in the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project and the opportunities it offers.  They discussed prospects for South Korea to participate in implementing this strategic project. They reviewed the Kingdom’s plans to invest in alternative energy and shift to electric vehicles for transportation.

The Korean side was acquainted with opportunities the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority provides and Jordan’s plans to capitalise on economic and tourism relations to connect between the zone — and other development zones — and key players in the Korean tourism, labour and trade industries.

The Korean officials highlighted the importance of operating direct flights between the two countries, due to the Koreans’ desire to visit archaeological and religious sites in the Kingdom.

Reviewing cooperation scopes in exchanging legislative and parliamentary expertise, King Abdullah noted that both countries’ parliaments and friendship committees play an important role in the consultation and coordination between the two countries.

The King’s accompanying delegation and Korea’s ruling party officials also attended the meeting.