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Jordan's Abdullah Expected To Visit Iran
by Tareq Ayyoub
AMMAN (IslamOnline) - Jordan's King Abdullah is expected to visit Iran next month following an invitation from Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Iran's ambassador in Jordan, Nasratullah Tajek, announced Wednesday.
Tajek, speaking at a press conference at his residence, did not give a date for the upcoming visit.
A Royal Court official confirmed that Abdullah will visit Iran, but noted that the timing of the visit has not been fixed.
"The visit is a clear signal of the countries' desire to improve mutual relationship between the two sides in all fields," the official said.
Last year, Abdullah met with Khatami in New York at the Millennium session of the United Nations, the first such encounter since the two sides resumed diplomatic ties in the 1990s.
The two countries severed relations following the 1980 Iraq-Iran war, in which Jordan sided with Iraq, even sending Jordanians to fight in the eight-year war.
Jordan and Iran opened embassies in each other's capitals following the resumption of diplomatic relations in the 1990s, launching direct flights between Amman and Tehran as well.
The two sides are currently discussing a multimillion-dollar water project, which will bring 100 million cubic meters of Desi water from southern Jordan to Amman and nearby areas every year.
Tajek said that a technical Jordanian delegation is expected to leave for Tehran next week to explore possibilities of partial Iranian funding of the project.
"Iran's chances to implement the Desi project is increasing day by day," the ambassador said.
According to the Iranian proposal, Tehran will supply Jordan with pipes needed for the project in return for Jordanian potash and phosphate.
Libya has also pledged to assist Jordan in the project, which will help the country solve water shortages Jordan faces every year.
Tajek said that the Speaker of Iran's Shura Council, Mahdi Kharoubi, would arrive here Sunday, where he will meet with Abdullah and the Speakers of the Lower and Upper Houses, Abdul Hadi Majali and Zaid Rifai.
The ambassador also said that Kharoubi is expected to address a joint meeting of the Lower House and the Senate.
Kharoubi's delegation, which includes 20 members, of which at least seven are members of the Shura Council, is also expected to be accompanied by Iran's trade minister, Mohammed Shari'at Madari, Tajek said.
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