King renews support for Iraq as he meets top lawmaker

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday voiced Jordan's support for the unity and stability of Iraq during a meeting with Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Salim Al Jabouri at Al Husseiniya Palace, according to a Royal Court statement. 

They discussed developments in Iraq, especially the efforts of the Iraqi government in combating terrorist organisations, with Jabouri commending Jordan's stances in support of his country and people as they rise to face this challenge. 

Also present at the meeting were Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, King’s Adviser on National Security Affairs and General Intelligence Department Director Gen. Faisal Shobaki, King's Office Director Jafar Hassan and Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan Safia Talib Al Suhail.

Also on Tuesday, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh discussed with his Iraqi counterpart the importance of further coordination and cooperation on issues of mutual interest, especially in regard to combating terrorism and extremist ideology, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The two lawmakers stressed the importance of activating joint Arab action and unifying stands on pan-Arab issues while advocating them at international venues. 

Tarawneh underlined that the war against terrorist groups exceeds the military response to “the broader and more important” fight against extremist ideologies everywhere. 

He also called for increasing economic cooperation between Iraq and Jordan, especially in energy fields, in addition to establishing economic projects and opening trade channels. He pointed out the Iraqi oil pipeline project that is planned to cross the Kingdom to Aqaba Port, saying that it would support Jordan’s efforts to diversify sources of energy.

Tarawneh underlined the reforms Jordan has implemented and its stands on regional issues, especially the Palestinian cause. 

He also briefed his Iraqi peer on the refugee crisis and its impact on Jordan and its economy and society. 

For his part, Jabouri acquainted Tarawneh with the developments in the fight against Daesh in Iraq, according to Petra.