King holds separate bilateral meetings with Egypt president, Iraq premier

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, held separate bilateral meetings with Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, ahead of convening the third trilateral summit between the three countries.

King Abdullah and President El Sisi’s meeting covered bilateral relations, and the latest regional developments, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, according to a Royal Court statement.

The discussions, attended by senior officials on both sides, also addressed cooperation and coordination to control the spread of thecoronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and alleviate its humanitarian and economic implications.

The two leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Egypt, and keenness to advance them, especially in the economic, investment, energy and trade sectors.

Discussions covered the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern, in the best interest of the two peoples and in service of Arab causes.

Efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach were also discussed, with His Majesty stressing the importance of supporting Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its security and stability.

Discussing the Palestinian cause, the King reaffirmed the need to reach just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, the meeting between His Majesty and Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi covered the strong ties between Jordan and Iraq, and the importance of bolstering them, while maintaining coordination on various issues.

The King stressed the importance of activating bilateral agreements in all sectors to advance economic relations, especially in energy, electricity interconnection, and trade exchange.

Moreover, His Majesty said Jordan supports Iraq’s efforts to bolster its security and stability, and maintain its territorial integrity and political independence, while countering all foreign attempts to meddle in its internal affairs.

The meeting, attended by senior officials on both sides, covered regional developments, with the King reaffirming Jordan’s steadfast position on the Palestinian cause.

Regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach were also discussed For his part, Prime Minister Kadhimi expressed appreciation of Jordan’s support for Iraq in countering COVID-19.

Earlier in the day, His Majesty and the Crown Prince received Sisi. An official welcoming ceremony was held for Sisi at Queen Alia International Airport, according to a separate Royal Court statement.

The King and the Crown Prince also received Kadhimi on Tuesday. An official welcoming ceremony was held for Kadhimi at Queen Alia International Airport.

Later in the day, His Majesty King Abdullah and Crown Prince Hussein bid farewell to Sisi and Kadhimi at Queen Alia International Airport.