AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and UK’s Foreign Secretary William Hague on Thursday discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East region.
During a meeting that was held in London, Judeh and Hague discussed the progress of the US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and the outcome of the recent visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to the region.
They asserted that all concerned parties should join efforts to achieve the desired progress within the designated time frame.
Judeh reiterated that Jordan considers the establishment of an independent, sovereign and congruent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital as part of its higher interests, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
He noted that all final status issues are linked to Jordan’s strategic interests, expressing his appreciation of the UK’s support to Amman’s efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah in this regard.
Discussions also focused on the Geneva II conference on Syria that is scheduled to be held on January 22.
In this context, Judeh asserted Jordan’s position, which stresses the importance of stopping the bloodshed in Syria and arriving at a political solution that guarantees the security, safety and unity of Syria with the participation of all the components of Syrian society.
The two sides also reviewed the role that Jordan will play through its membership at the Security Council and the important issues that will be put forward to the council this month, during which Jordan holds the rotating presidency.
Stressing Britain’s support for Jordan’s election to become a member at the Security Council, Hague said the UK will cooperate with the Kingdom on various issues, adding that Jordan’s election for the UN seat reflects the respect that King Abdullah and Jordan have.
UK’s foreign secretary commended Jordan’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping contingents in different parts of the world. He also expressed Britain’s appreciation of Jordan for hosting and assisting Syrian refugees, stressing Britain’s continued support to this humanitarian mission.
At the meeting, the two officials stressed the importance of holding the Geneva II conference on Syria and the need to arrive at a political solution for the situation in Syria.
