MPs, Saudi delegation explore expanding cooperation

AMMAN — President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Sunday received Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Prince Khalid Bin Faisal and a visiting delegation from the Saudi Shura Council led by Saleh Khilaiwi, head of the Jordanian-Saudi Brotherhood Committee.

During the meeting, Tarawneh stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and establishing joint parliamentary action between the Jordanian Lower House and Saudi Shura Council to support Arab issues and build a unified Arab stance.

The Saudi ambassador commended the two countries’ established ties, underscoring ongoing coordination and noting that Amman and Riyadh share goals aimed at supporting Arabs and Muslims, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the visit, the Jordanian-Saudi Brotherhood Committee plans to discuss means of bolstering cooperation on a number of parliamentary issues, according to Khilaiwi, head of the brotherhood committee, also stressing the need to increase cooperation in the fields of economy, health and education.

Head of the Lower House’s Foreign Affairs Committee MP Nidal Taani added that the political and economic challenges facing the region have affected Jordan as well, calling on Saudi Arabia to increase support for Jordan's stance on the Palestinian cause.

He also highlighted the pressure placed on UNRWA, the US administration’s decision to recognise Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights and the need to support Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s holy sites, which defends Jerusalemites’ existence.

The two countries’ “distinguished” relations have been reflected in various joint stances including the Palestinian cause, Prince Khalid said, emphasising that his country considers the US decision to relocate their embassy as “non-binding”.

Those at the gathering also expressed their appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to help Jordan solve its challenges.