DROC PRESIDENT KABILA'S VISIT TO JORDAN

S E C R E T AMMAN 006073

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/17/2012
TAGS: PREL XA ZF CF JO
SUBJECT: DROC PRESIDENT KABILA'S VISIT TO JORDAN


Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm. Reasons 1.5 (b,d).


1. (S) DROC President Joseph Kabila paid an official visit
to Jordan September 16-18. The visit entailed the usual
meetings and official functions. Kabila enjoyed a short
visit to the seaport of Aqaba as the King,s guest. We saw
nothing remarkable to report -- except that Jordan seemed an
unlikely stop on the very day news coverage was reporting the
announcement that Rwandan forces were withdrawing from
eastern Congo.


2. (S) Subsequently, King Abdullah has raised Kabila,s
visit with the Ambassador. Abdullah said he point blank
asked Kabila why he was visiting Jordan. Kabila said in the
first instance he wanted to establish stronger ties between
Congo and Middle Eastern countries; but, secondly, he knew
the King had excellent relations with both London and
Washington. He did not and, frankly, wanted Abdullah,s
assistance in helping him improve relations. He asked the
King to pass his desire to improve relations to both
countries and do anything he might to advance that process.
The King said he agreed to pass on Kabila,s message and
asked that we inform Washington of his conversation with
Kabila.

GNEHM