King discusses anti-terror efforts with African leaders

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday met with African leaders and officials from Asia, Europe, the US and Canada in the port city of Aqaba, a Royal Court statement said.

At meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the King discussed means to enhance consultation and coordination in counterterrorism efforts on the basis of an international comprehensive approach.

During meetings also with senior US, Asian and Canadian officials as well as representatives of international organisations, His Majesty underlined the trans-border threat of terrorist groups, the statement said.

Earlier on Saturday, King Abdullah met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri, Tanzania Foreign Minister Augustine Mahiga and senior officials from Kenya and Uganda.   

The meetings, which will continue on Sunday, came as part of His Majesty's belief in the need to maintain constant international cooperation and coordination to eradicate radicalism and terrorism, the statement said.

The "Aqaba meetings" came in continuation of similar meetings the King held in April last year with world leaders, according to the Royal Court.

On Friday, His Majesty condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which claimed the lives of many people and wounded several others.

At least 17 people were killed in the Somali capital when five gunmen set off bombs and stormed a popular beach-front restaurant late on Thursday, The Associated Press reported, quoting Somali police.

In a cable sent to the Somali president, King Abdullah expressed his condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery. 

The government also condemned the attack, voicing Amman's support for Mogadishu in fighting terrorism, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Also on Friday, His Majesty spoke on the phone with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and highlighted the importance of increasing international support for Syrian refugee host countries. 

He also mentioned the donor conference, which will be held in the UK next month, where countries around the world will gather to discuss the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan. 

Renzi voiced his country's support for Jordan in its efforts to deal with the refugee burden and the economic challenges resulting from it. 

Discussions also covered regional and international efforts to combat terrorism, and His Majesty and Renzi agreed to maintain coordination and dialogue on regional issues.