The Brookings Institution Saban Center for Middle East Policy in Washington was dedicated in the presence of Jordan's King Abdullah II.
"King Abdullah II of Jordan told me he was interested in teaching software developed in Israel, especially for mathematics, if it can be translated into Arabic," Israeli billionaire Haim Saban told ''Globes'' yesterday. Saban had earlier spoken with King Abdullah at the dedication ceremony for the Brookings Institution Saban Center for Middle East Policy in Washington.
Saban said he promised Abdullah he would personally mediate between Israeli and Jordanian software companies in order to establish bilateral cooperation in this field.
So far as is known, this was the first time an Israeli citizen initiated and financed a policy research institute in Washington.
Saban revealed he was involved in the campaign to sign 45 governors on a declaration of support for Israel that will be submitted to the White House next week. "The governors have considerable influence on events on the ground, especially in an election year," he said.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on May 14, 2002