Cisco Systems Applauds U.S.-Jordan Pact.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2000

Cisco Systems Inc., the world's leading producer of networking equipment for the Internet, today praised President Clinton and King Abdullah II of Jordan for their historic agreement to remove trade barriers between the U.S. and Jordan.

In a White House ceremony, the two leaders signed a Free Trade Agreement that will eliminate virtually all tariffs on goods the countries exchange, provide for the protection of intellectual property in both places and encourage cross-border commerce on the Internet. The agreement is only the fourth such treaty signed by the U.S. and the first with an Arab country.

"The Internet already is bringing the peoples of the world closer together, enabling them to freely exchange ideas as well as products," said John Chambers, Cisco's president. "With their agreement today, President Clinton and King Abdullah ensure that their countries will receive the full benefit of this technological revolution. King Abdullah and President Clinton are to be commended for their foresight."

Cisco Systems already has recognized the economic potential of Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah. The company has invested $1 million in a Jordan-based private business that is developing new technology companies in that country. Cisco's Networking Academies program, which teaches people how to building and maintain Internet networking systems, has an expanding presence in Jordan. And Chambers hosted King Abdullah when he visited Cisco in San Jose last May.

"King Abdullah is strengthening his country's economy," Chambers said. "And economic well-being is one of the key factors needed to bring stability and peace to the region. The Free Trade Agreement King Abdullah signed with the U.S. today is a positive step for his country and for his country's neighbors as well."

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