Jordan, Egypt seek ‘new stage of strategic cooperation’

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday returned home following a brief visit to Egypt during which he met with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, a Royal Court statement said.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in economic and political fields, in addition to regional developments, the statement said. 

During the meeting, held at the Ittihadiya Palace, the two leaders underlined the importance of the upcoming meetings of the joint Jordanian-Egyptian higher committee which will be held between August 29-31 in Cairo, stressing the need to finalise the meeting agenda and “move to a new stage of more strategic collaboration” and looking forward to activating bilateral agreements to develop cooperation. 

The two sides agreed on intensifying coordination in security and political fields, “particularly that they share an identical position on regional crises”, the statement said, affirming the importance of pan-Arab institutions in dealing with regional issues. 

His Majesty reiterated Jordan's stand in support of and solidarity with Egypt “under all circumstances”, it added.

It continued that the two leaders asserted the necessity of joining the efforts of all concerned in the international community and the Arab and Muslim countries to deal firmly with the dangers of terrorism, extremism and terror organisations and to defend Islam against attempts to distort its image as a faith that rejects transgression and extremism and calls for tolerance, moderation and understanding.

King Abdullah and President Sisi stressed the role of Al Azhar as the “lighthouse of the moderate Islamic thought” that contributes to correcting misconceptions about Islam and combating extreme and destructive thoughts, in addition to supporting all religious institutions in the Arab and Islamic worlds to deliver their message of peace.

President Sisi expressed his country’s appreciation of Jordan’s “honourable stances” in supporting Egypt, especially in its fight against terrorism. 

He also commended Jordan’s role in defending various Arab issues and protecting Muslim and Christian holy shrines in Jerusalem, also referring to Egypt’s role in supporting Arab causes at the Security Council’s Counterterrorism Committee headed by Egypt.

As for the Palestinian issue, they called for reviving peace negotiations in line with international terms of reference to implement the two-state solution and establish a Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.     

They also praised Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ response to their call for Palestinian reconciliation, and the communiqué issued by the Fateh movement’s central committee which, they said, serves the Palestinian cause and mends fences between Palestinians especially in the current “critical” stage.

On Syria, the two leaders stressed the need for a political solution to the crisis that would end bloodshed, preserve the country’s territorial integrity and prevent terrorism from spilling over to neighbouring countries. 

They discussed the developments in Libya and ways to support a political solution to restore security and stability for the Libyan people.

The discussions also covered Iraq and the need to support its government to overcome challenges and to enhance harmony among the Iraqi people’s various denominations.

The Egyptian president hosted a lunch banquet in honour of His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.