Delaying Mideast solution renders region more vulnerable — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah participated on Friday in Egypt Economic Development Conference in Sharm El Sheikh along with several world leaders and representatives of major regional and international companies.   

On the sidelines of the conference, His Majesty took part in a four-way meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and US Secretary of State John Kerry and discussed ways to revive the peace process. 

Discussions addressed current regional developments and means to revive peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King reiterated that the Palestinian cause is at the core regional conflict and that it will continue as a source of instability until a comprehensive and a just solution is worked out. 

King Abdullah warned that delaying the solution makes the region more vulnerable and a scene for further conflict and chaos, on which terrorism, radicalism and their supporters feed.  

Participants stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to push forward the peace process, after the upcoming Israeli elections, underlining the importance of the US’ and the international community’s support for peace efforts. 

Moreover, participants addressed regional and international challenges as well as efforts exerted to deal with them. 

The King’s participation in the Egypt conference came in line with Jordan’s continued support for Egypt and its efforts to achieve development and overcome various challenges, according to the Royal Court.

The three-day economic conference seeks to present a clear vision on Egypt’s future, bolster its position as an investment attraction and develop its economy. 

In the opening remarks, President Sisi extended his thanks and appreciation for the support of King Abdullah and other leaders who stood by Egypt and the Egyptian people under the various circumstances. 

On the sidelines of the conference, the King held several meetings with world leaders and heads of several delegations participating in the conference.

During talks with Sisi, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen relations in various fields, stressing their commitment to maintaining continued coordination and consultations, in a manner that serves the interests of the two countries and their people and fosters joint Arab action.  

At a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, King Abdullah and Salam discussed ways to strengthen the Jordanian-Lebanese ties.  

Moreover, the King met with Kerry and reviewed the latest developments in Syria, Iraq and Libya and challenges facing the region. 

King Abdullah also met with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and reviewed the Jordanian- EU cooperation, besides the latest regional developments. 

The King and Mogherini addressed Jordan’s relations with various European institutions and ways to strengthen them.  

With regard to developments at the regional and international levels, the meeting focused on efforts exerted to combat terrorism and the dangers of radical groups, as well as the developments in Syria, the overall conditions in Libya and ways to boost regional peace and stability.