King arrives in India for state visit

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday arrived in New Delhi for a state visit during which he will hold talks with Indian President Ram Nath Kouwind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials, according to a Royal Court statement.

On Wednesday, His Majesty King Abdullah is scheduled to attend the Indian-Jordanian Business Forum in New Delhi, organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Jordan Investment Commission in cooperation with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

The forum will be attended by more than 300 Jordanian and Indian businessmen representing various economic sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Participants will discuss prospects of improving trade relations and the possibility of establishing joint ventures.

Speaking to tribal leaders on Monday, the King said India is keen to benefit from Jordan as a gateway to Iraq and African markets. 

Indian investors, the King said, are expected to establish factories and businesses in the country for that purpose, also aware that the Kingdom has free trade deals with the US, the EU and other major world economies. 

State Minister for Investment Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh was quoted by Petra as saying the Jordanian side seeks to utilise the forum to promote Jordan as an attractive investment destination for the benefits and incentives offered and its strategic location.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah told the agency that the King’s visit to India would help diversify Jordanian industrial export base and boost cooperation in the information technology sector, exchange expertise and build partnerships in this field.

The Indian foreign ministry said in a statement that the King will visit today the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi) to explore technical collaboration with India and will also participate in a CEO round-table. 

During the visit, His Majesty will participate in the “Islamic Heritage: enhancing harmony and coexistence” conference, organised by India Islamic Centre at Vigyan Bhawan, where he will deliver a speech.

The Indian statement said that the two countries are expected to sign several deals of cooperation in various fields. 

HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent.