King, Prince Charles discuss better cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah met on Sunday with Prince Charles, who is currently on a working visit to the Kingdom as part of a regional tour.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, which was attended by HRH Prince Ghazi, King’s personal envoy and adviser for religious and cultural affairs, King Abdullah and Prince of Wales expressed their satisfaction in the advanced level of the friendship, and the strategic partnership between Jordan and the UK in various areas. 

They stressed their mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Kingdom and the Prince of Wales’ Charity Foundation in a manner that helps both sides achieve joint goals and expand their cooperation, a Royal Court statement said. 

At a broader meeting that was attended by senior officials and Prince Charles’ accompanying delegation, the two sides reviewed overall regional developments, especially the efforts exerted to combat the danger of terrorism and radical groups which threaten world peace and security. 

King Abdullah asserted that the region and its people are waging war against terrorist groups to safeguard Islam and human values, noting that all regional and international parties must intensify their efforts to fulfil this goal. 

Prince Charles expressed his condolences and sympathies to King Abdullah and the Jordanian people over the death of Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh, stressing the UK’s support for Jordan in the face of the current challenges, the Royal Court said.

The two sides discussed endeavours to achieve peace in the region as well as the latest developments in Syria, in addition to regional and international issues of mutual concern. 

With regard to the crisis of Syrian refugees, His Majesty highlighted the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief services presented to the refugees, which, he said, exceed Jordan’s resources and capabilities. That is why the international community should provide more aid to the country to help it pursue with its humanitarian mission. 

After the talks, the King and Prince Charles attended an interfaith meeting that brought together Muslim and Christian leaders from around the world.

In remarks at the meeting, His Majesty underlined the need to overcome challenges that hinder peacemaking efforts through greater cooperation between followers of different faiths.

He added that the killing of the pilot has made Jordanians stronger and more united.

For his part, Prince Charles said: “I have long admired the way in which His Majesty has worked so incredibly hard to find practical ways to show compassion and mercy to those of other faiths.” 

He paid tribute as well to the generosity of the people of Jordan for securing a safe haven to those fleeing violence and persecution. “Such generosity gives me hope for the future,” he said.