King talks ties, anti-terror with US leaders

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held a series of meetings in Washington with US administration officials and key lawmakers, with whom he discussed bilateral ties and regional challenges. 

During his meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden, the King discussed cooperation to combat terrorism and the latest developments in Syria, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty highlighted the importance of finding a comprehensive solution to the crisis that ends the suffering of Syrians. 

King Abdullah and Biden also discussed the situation in Iraq and stressed the need to support the efforts of the Iraqi government in fighting the Daesh terror group. 

Talks covered means to revive Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations to reach the two-state solution. 

Moreover, His Majesty highlighted projects Jordan is working on in the field of renewable energy. 

During a meeting with the House Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programmes Chairperson Kay Granger (R-Texas) and members of the committee, talks addressed developments in Syria, Iraq and Libya, and efforts to combat terrorism. 

The King stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to deal with terrorism and urged tolerance among followers of different religions to counter extremism. 

They also discussed economic challenges facing the Kingdom, and the assistance provided by the US to Jordan to overcome them, along with the role of the subcommittee in this field. 

His Majesty stressed the importance of the conference to be held in London next month to discuss ways to deal with the Syrian refugee crisis in the world in general and in Jordan in particular. 

Moreover, he voiced the Kingdom’s appreciation of the US support to deal with the repercussions of the crisis.

Granger and the subcommittee members voiced appreciation of Jordan’s role in the Middle East and thanked King Abdullah for maintaining communication with the Congress’ committees.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Granger said that the refugee crisis is on top of the US’ priorities.

She added that King Abdullah was very clear about what Jordan can do to take care of Syrian refugees and what other countries have to do.

The King also discussed regional issues and anti-terror efforts with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada).

Discussions also covered ways for Congress to support Jordan in dealing with economic challenges resulting from regional crises.

His Majesty thanked the US Senate for helping Jordan deal with regional challenges and continue its development projects.

McConnell and Reid commended Jordan’s role in the region and its response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

They also voiced interest in maintaining coordination and dialogue with the King in regards to developments in the Middle East. 

Also on Tuesday, His Majesty met with lawmaker Ed Royce (R-California), chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and other members of the panel. 

Talks covered regional developments and the effect of the refugee crisis on Jordan, with the King highlighting poverty and unemployment rates in Jordan.

He reiterated the importance of the London meeting on Syria and host countries and called for a holistic approach to fight terror and extremism.

Committee members said Jordan is one of the US’ most important friends in the region.

Tuesday’s meetings were part of 10 meetings His Majesty is scheduled to hold with different committees and their leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate this week, according to the Royal Court.