Jordan, UAE ‘partners in the face of threats’

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, on the “deep-rooted ties between Jordan and the UAE, as well as the latest regional developments,” a Royal Court statement said.

At the talks, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania, King Abdullah affirmed the “strong, brotherly ties between the two countries, and the advanced levels they have reached in all areas, stressing keenness to bolster joint action and cooperation in the service of the two peoples”.

The two sides also underlined the importance of maintaining coordination and consultations on various issues of mutual concern, with the aim of serving Arab causes, the statement said.

His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the United Arab Emirates for its ongoing support for Jordan, and its assistance in the implementation of development projects, as well as the support it offers in the military field.

Discussions covered developments related to the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, with the King reaffirming the importance of breaking the deadlock in the peace process and relaunching serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on the two-state solution, international law and relevant UN resolutions, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty and Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to preserve the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem, which, they said, is key to peace in the region.

Talks also touched on crises in the region, with the two sides calling for stepping up Arab efforts to resolve them politically and restore security and stability.

Moreover, the two sides discussed regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach to counter its threat to regional and global security.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE, led by Sheikh Khalifa, seeks to strengthen its brotherly ties with Jordan, in the best interest of the two countries and in the service of joint Arab action, particularly in light of the challenges currently facing the region.

Sheikh Mohammed lauded His Majesty’s important role in joint Arab action and in efforts to bolster Arab security, stressing that Jordan is a key partner of the Gulf Cooperation Council in facing the challenges threatening security, stability and coexistence in the region.

He added that Jordan plays a vital role in regional issues, especially the peace process and the Palestinian cause, as well as the fight against terrorism.

Senior Jordanian and Emirati officials attended the talks.

While in Abu Dhabi, the King visited Wahat Al Karama (the Oasis of Dignity), which was established as a a tribute to those who have given their lives to safeguard the UAE, and laid a wreath at the martyrs’ memorial.

Also on Wednesday, His Majesty with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, the statement said.

Discussions covered the “brotherly ties that Jordan and the UAE share, in addition to the latest developments in the region”, according to the Royal Court.

King Abdullah and Sheikh Mohammed expressed their pride in the strong relations between the two countries and their keenness to expand cooperation in various fields.

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultations over various issues and regional challenges, in the service of Arab causes and interests.

Discussions at the meeting also addressed means to advance cooperation between Jordan and the UAE in the field of e-government programmes.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, King’s Office Director Jaafar Hassan, Adviser to His Majesty and National Policies Council Rapporteur Abdullah Wreikat and Jordan’s Ambassador in Abu Dhabi Jumaah Abbadi attended the meeting.