Safadi discusses Mideast peace push with Abbas

AMMAN — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday received Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi at his residence in Amman.

Talks focused on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and the latest regional developments and issues of mutual interest, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the meeting, Safadi conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's greetings to President Abbas. 

For his part, the Palestinian leader voiced appreciation of King Abdullah’s supportive stances in favour of the Palestinian people, its national cause and its pursuit of an independent state within the pre-1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

The two sides stressed the need to continue with coordination and consultation between the two countries. 

The meeting was attended by Palestinian Presidency Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah, Abbas’ adviser, Majdi Al Khalidi and Palestinian Ambassador in Amman Majdi Al Khalidi. 

Last month, King Abdullah met with Abbas over the Palestinian reconciliation agreement, which had reached in Cairo between Abbas’ Fateh and the Islamist Hamas group.

King Abdullah voiced Jordan's full support to the agreement, which would contribute to strengthening Palestinian unity.

The King described the reconciliation agreement as an important step in pushing forward the peace process and relaunching serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution.

The two sides agreed on the importance of working with the US administration to resolve the conflict and make progress on the ground in the coming period, especially in view of US President Donald Trump's commitment to working towards achieving peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

Days later, His Majesty received a phone call from Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh during which the Monarch reaffirmed Jordan’s full support for the Palestinians as they take on the challenges before them.