King, France president hold talks in Paris

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday held talks in Paris on the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, and the latest regional and international development.

During a meeting at the Élysée Palace attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah and President Macron highlighted keenness on expanding political, economic and defence cooperation, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty expressed appreciation of France’s support for Jordan in implementing development projects.

Discussing regional and international developments, the two sides agreed to maintain coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

Turning to the Palestinian cause, His Majesty stressed the need to reach just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King lauded the position of France and the EU in support of the two-state solution, and reaffirmed the importance of including the Palestinians in regional economic projects, adding that the continuation of unilateral Israeli measures undermines the prospects of achieving peace, and plunges the region into more violence.

His Majesty reiterated the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis that safeguards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria, while guaranteeing the safe return of refugees, stressing the need to maintain Iraq’s security and stability.

The meeting also covered the situation in Lebanon, with the King calling for continuing efforts aimed at safeguarding its stability.

Moreover, discussions addressed regional and international efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach.

For his part, President Macron commended Jordan’s role in pursuit of regional peace and global security and stability.

President Macron expressed France’s keenness on strengthening its friendship with Jordan and maintaining close coordination in service of mutual interests.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador to France Makram Queisi attended the meeting.