Ottawa, July 14, JIB-His Majesty King Abdullah II affirmed that peace can only be sustained if the people of our region have the opportunity to lead a productive and satisfying life.

In an Address delivered at Pearson Building in Ottawa, the King added :" For that to be possible, the economies of our region must maximize their potential. There are opportunities for investment in infrastructure, for participation in a growing private sector and for developing markets."

The king said that the Middle East region looks forward to a Canadian role that helps in shaping a future based on peace adding that "millions of people on both sides need and want an end to conflict. Millions of Palestinians are united in their dream of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state. Millions of Israelis look to the day they can live in peace with their neighbours."

King Abdullah II, who is now in Canada to enhance bilateral economic cooperation, affirmed the need for the international community help in shaping the strategic direction of events by keeping the focus on the central objective. And that is a final settlement, which can stop an expansion of violence and clear the way to thriving, stable, civic life.

Addressing more than 250 Canadian prominent figures, the king said Arab leaders have worked intensively to move such a process forward. " our countries unanimously renewed the Arab Peace Initiative. It is a historic opportunity for a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement - one that brings an end to conflict, one that provides collective security guarantees for all the countries of the region including Israel, and at long last, one that provides a sovereign, viable, and independent Palestine", he added.

Upon the king's arrival at the Pearson Building, he was received with a welcoming address by the Canadian Prime minister Stephen Harper who expressed Canada's appreciation for the king's efforts to achieve peace and security and enhance moderation in the Middle East.

Harper described the King as "real peace man in a region full of potential and conflicts" pointing that the king's visit to Canada provides a great opportunity not only to focus on bilateral relations but also on" the urgent need to achieve progress in the Middle East peace process."

The Prime Minister hailed the message of Amman which was launched in 2004 to affirm Islam's tolerance.