King discusses region, ties with European Council chief

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, and stressed his "utter" condemnation of the Israeli assaults on Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah highlighted Jordan's condemnation of the attacks and efforts to stop them in coordination with influential players in the international community, stressing that Al Aqsa Mosque is not to be shared or divided.

In this context, the international community, especially the EU, should put a halt to the Israeli breaches, which constitute a clear violation of international legitimacy, the King said, noting these violations will have “grave” consequences and contribute to hindering all progress in the peace process.

The meeting’s agenda included a discussion of the regional and international anti-terrorism efforts under a comprehensive strategy, as well as the importance of reaching political solutions to the crises taking place in the region.

The King noted the burdens shouldered by Jordan as a result of hosting Syrian refugees, which requires donor counties and institutions to offer more support to enable the Kingdom to offer humanitarian services to the refugees.

His Majesty thanked the European countries for the support they offer to Jordan in this field.

For his part, Tusk commended the relations enjoyed by the European Council and Jordan, and voiced the council’s interest in deepening those ties to serve mutual interests.

Tusk also commended Jordan’s efforts, under the leadership of King Abdullah, to achieve peace and security in the region.

The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan and the delegation accompanying Tusk.