His Majesty king Abdullah II started a visit to the United States where he will take part today in the G-8 summit, which started at the Sea Island resort in the State of Georgia.



The King will meet today with the leaders and heads of governments of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, Italy, France, Canada and Russia, to present Jordan's view and that of the Arab world, towards the region's issues and towards the best solutions to achieve aspirations of the region's nations in sustainable economic and social development.



King Abdullah will stress that reform cannot be viewed in isolation of the Palestinian issue, and that the Arab world, which expressed readiness during the Tunisia summit to make changes, will seek to achieve reforms that take into consideration each state's particularities.



His Majesty, who will leave for Chicago after participation in the G-8 summit, will patronize an investment symposium, in which he will shed light on investment privileges in Jordan, within his efforts to attract foreign investments into the Kingdom.



King Abdullah will also address the Economic Club of Chicago and the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, which represent more than 1500 political and economic figures.



During his presence in Chicago, His Majesty will also receive the "Golden Shield Award" in appreciation for his vital role and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East region, and to extend bridges of cooperation among world nations.



The situation in the region and Jordanian-US ties will be among the major issues that the King will discuss with the US President George Bush, senior US administration and heads and members of the committees of the US Congress.



The King is accompanied by an official delegation comprising the King's Special Advisor, Yousef Dalabeeh, Minister of the Hashemite Royal Court, Sameer Rifai, Foreign Minister, Dr. Marwan Muasher and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Bassim Awadallah.