King reaffirms strength of Jordan-EU relations

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed the strong relations between Jordan and the European Union, at a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell, following the 14th meeting of the Jordan-EU Association Council at the Dead Sea.

King Abdullah highlighted the importance of holding the council for the first time in a country in the EU's southern neighbourhood, which reflects the deeply-rooted ties between Jordan and the EU since 1977, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty also received representatives of the Association Council, at a meeting attended by Borrell, including Foreign Ministers Ioannis Kasoulides of Cyprus, Jean Asselborn of Luxembourg, Simon Coveney of Ireland, and Nikos Dendias of Greece, as well as European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

The King discussed the latest regional developments and their impact on regional security, especially the Palestinian cause, which requires stepping up regional and international efforts to create a real horizon for progress in the peace process, and end the cycle of violence threatening regional stability and security.

His Majesty pointed to Jordan’s keenness, along with Arab countries, on launching regional cooperation projects that seek development and prosperity in several fields, for the benefit of the region’s the peoples and to fulfil their aspirations.

For their part, Vice President Borrell and the attending foreign ministers and EU officials highlighted the strong ties between Jordan and the European Union, stressing the need to expand cooperation in all fields.

They reiterated the importance of the new EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities for 2021-2027, commending Jordan’s pivotal role in the region, under the leadership of the King, who works relentlessly to find horizons for the Palestinian cause, as well as political solutions to regional crises.

Meanwhile, they commended the modernisation process, led by His Majesty within political, economic, and administrative pathways, noting that such measures are viewed positively in Jordan’s progress. 

On the impact of Ukrainian crisis, Borrell and the EU officials called for enhancing economic integration and cooperation in the fields of energy and food security.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attended the two meetings, while EU Ambassador to Jordan Maria Hadjitheodosiou and Deputy Managing Director in the Middle East and North Africa Department of the European External Action Service Carl Hallergard attended the first meeting.