France to help Jordan develop nuclear energy program

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Jordan on Friday on a semi-private, two-day visit, and met with King Abdullah II.

According to the Jordanian News Agency Petra, the two discussed the situation in the Middle East, as well as France's support to the Kingdom and assistance in implementing several major economic and development plans.

Sarkozy further pledged France's assistance to Jordan in developing its nuclear energy program for peaceful use. Just last week, during his visit to Egypt, the French president promised to help develop its nuclear energy program as well.

"Paris can help Egypt create a nuclear energy program for peaceful use," said Sarkozy, adding that "Egypt is entitled to make (peaceful) use of nuclear energy as is any other country."

Abdullah has expressed his desire to push the Jordanian nuclear program forward in the past, stressing that finding alternative energy sources was one of Jordan's biggest challenges.

King Abdullah briefed Sarkozy on the results of his efforts in helping the Israelis and Palestinians reach a comprehensive in their negotiations, on all key issues regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The King's efforts, Sarkozy was told, are in accordance with international resolutions, the road map and the Arab peace initiative, all in order to try and achieve the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state by the end of 2008.

The French president and the king also discussed regional developments, including the political crisis in Lebanon, a Jordanian palace statement said.

"On Lebanon the two leaders expressed their concern that the parties had been unable to reach agreement on electing a new president and avoid a political vacuum," it said.

The two leaders expressed their satisfactions over the close relations between the two countries and thier hope to cement them further.