King meets US secretary of state

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC, and discussed the strategic relations between the two countries, as well as joint efforts to promote stability in the Middle East.

At the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah highlighted the importance of maintaining coordination and cooperation between the two countries, expressing appreciation of the United States’ support for the Kingdom, according to a Royal Court statement.

Regional and international developments were also discussed, especially the Palestinian cause and efforts to push towards calm and de-escalation, as well as ceasing unilateral measures in the Palestinian Territories, which undermine peace prospects.

For his part, Secretary Blinken underlined the deep-rooted partnership between the two countries, commending Jordan’s efforts in political, economic and administrative modernisation.

Blinken pointed to the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of holy places in Jerusalem in safeguarding the historical and legal status quo in Al Haram Al Sharif.

Discussions also covered efforts to reach political solutions to regional crises.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Dina Kawar attended the meetings.