King discusses ties, regional challenges with world leaders, top diplomats

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed the strong relations and cooperation between Jordan and Belgium, and asserted Jordan's commitment to strengthening them, within the framework of the partnership with the EU.

During a meeting with Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah expressed hope that his state visit to Belgium in the mid of this month and his scheduled meeting with King Philippe will cement these ties and expand cooperation between the two countries, especially in the political, economic and commercial fields.

King Abdullah expressed his appreciation of Belgium's position in support of the Kingdom through various EU institutions, and also for the support it provides to foster Jordan's capability of dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis.

Discussions addressed regional and international developments, especially efforts exerted to confront terrorism and radicalism, in line with a holistic approach, according to a Royal Court statement.

The two sides also discussed means to arrive at a comprehensive solution for the Syrian crisis, in a manner that boosts security and stability in the region and worldwide.

In a separate meeting with Norway's Foreign Minister Borge Brende, King Abdullah discussed the efforts exerted to address the different crises that the Middle East region is going through, especially regarding means to resolve the Syrian crisis and to revive peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.

King Abdullah re-asserted Jordan's position vis-à-vis these issues and the Kingdom's support of all efforts exerted to achieve peace and boost regional stability and security in a manner that ends violence and radicalism which are exploited by radical groups to flare up conflicts in the region.

With regard to bilateral relations, the King and the Norwegian official stressed their commitment to boosting the Jordanian-Norwegian ties in various fields, highlighting the importance of building on previous accomplishments.

Brende stressed his country’s support for Jordan in dealing with various challenges and its commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Kingdom.

Also on Wednesday, the Monarch received Lithuania’s President Dalia Grybauskaite who is currently visiting the Kingdom to participate in the Women in Parliaments Global Forum, which commenced on the same day.

During the meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King expressed the Kingdom’s desire to expand its relations with Lithuania and to build up future partnerships between the two countries, especially in economic fields.

The King stressed the importance of exchanging visits by official delegations and businessmen of the two countries to boost prospects of bilateral cooperation and joint investments.

Grybauskaite said she was pleased to visit the Kingdom, highlighting its stability and development. She also stressed her country’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Jordan and enhancing bilateral cooperation and coordination.

Moreover, King Abdullah on Wednesday received Malta’s President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, who is also participating in the forum.

The King expressed Jordan’s desire to foster its relations with Malta, within the framework of the Euro-Med partnership.

Highlighting the importance of increasing joint coordination, especially since the two countries are bound by several cooperation agreements, the King noted that the two countries’ private sectors should benefit from the investment opportunities available.

At the meeting, the two leaders reviewed different regional and global issues, stressing the importance of arriving at political solutions to the ongoing crises and working to boost chances for peace.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders on Wednesday discussed bilateral relations and challenges facing the region, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

They discussed efforts to combat terrorism and terror groups as well as the situation in Syria, especially the dangerous developments in Aleppo. Judeh affirmed Jordan’s constant stand calling for a political solution that ensures the safety and unity of Syria in accordance with the UN resolution 2254, Geneva I resolutions and the recommendations made by the international group to support Syria.

The meeting also covered the humanitarian conditions of the Syrian refugees in the Kingdom and the burdens that Jordan is shouldering to serve them.

The two officials also discussed the developments in Palestine, where Judeh stressed the importance of reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations to implement the two-state solutions, under which an independent Palestinian state is envisioned within the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on relevant international references and the Arab Peace Initiative.

They also discussed the situation and developments in Iraq, stressing the importance of finding a political solution to restore security and stability in the country.

Also on Wednesday, Judeh met with Norway’s foreign minister and discussed ways to foster the Jordanian- Norwegian relations. The two officials also discussed the latest regional challenges and developments.

With regard to the situation in Palestine, Judeh and his Norwegian counterpart underlined the importance of re-launching serious negotiations between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides to lead to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

With regard to the crisis in Syria, they stressed the importance of arriving at a political solution.

Discussions also addressed the situation in several regional countries, including Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Libya.