Prince Charles, Camilla to tour Middle East to boost ties

LONDON // Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are to tour Jordan, Qatar and Oman next month to help boost Britain's economic, political and other ties with these countries, palace officials said on Wednesday.
The heir to the British throne will arrive in Jordan on March 11 before heading to Qatar and Oman, meeting the royal families of each nation, Charles' residence Clarence House said.
The royal couple will return to Britain on March 19.
"The tour will help to strengthen the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with key partners in the region, relations which are underpinned by the close personal friendships that exist between Their Royal Highnesses and the royal families in each country," Clarence House said.
"The visits will also aim to support UK economic interests by highlighting the growing commercial links between British companies and their counterparts in Jordan, Qatar and Oman."
Charles will meet with King Abdullah II and Queen Rania on his third official trip to Jordan, as well as attend an inter-faith gathering and a business conference.
In Qatar, the prince, who is a keen environmentalist, will "see first hand how the country is tackling its food security challenges", while the couple's engagements in Oman will cover "military personnel, health and education issues".
The palace said that in each country, Camilla would also undertake "solo engagements focusing on the growing opportunities for women in society".
This will be the first official visit to Jordan and Oman for Camilla, who visited Qatar with Charles in 2007.