Jordanian King Speaks of Wealth and Peace at World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum on the Middle East got underway Friday on the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan.

King Abdullah II was the one who opened the forum, which is dedicated to discussing the world economic crisis’ effects in the region.

During his speech, the King spoke of his hopes that the Mideast becomes an economic powerhouse.

“At this year’s forum, you will be addressing the most critical issues of our time. Let your answers be just as bold.”

He urged “answers that do not simply help our countries get through the global economic downturn but ensure the region emerges as a powerhouse: the go-to place for opportunity and wealth-building and a determining factor in reshaping the global economy.”

The process should begin with “a region-wide consensus on action – a home-grown, home-based approach to unity, progress and peace.

“To succeed, we must build regional multi-sector, multi-skill partnerships. No single entity owns the region’s most pressing challenges – or their solution.”

In addition, King Abdullah praised the United States’ renewed commitment to finding solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The new American commitment has now opened an opportunity to change the direction of events.

“Just as the United States has committed to momentum, so we in the region and all our friends must keep the focus on results. There are no excuses for failure.

“The time to act is not indefinite,” the King added. “Every delay has brought more danger, not only for the parties but for the region and indeed the world. There must be no more missed opportunities, no more process without progress.”

King Abdullah said all this while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat in the audience, after making a surprise arrival to the forum.

About 1,300 officials and executives from 80 countries are in the Dead Sea region for the World Economic Forum.