AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and US congressional delegates on Monday discussed current affairs in the Middle East and issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, King Abdullah expressed Jordan’s appreciation of the US efforts to achieve security and stability in the region, lauding US Secretary of State John Kerry’s endeavours in this regard, according to a Royal Court statement.
The meeting with the visiting delegation, which comprised members of both the Senate and House of Representatives, addressed progress in the US-brokered negotiations under way between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
The King reasserted that the envisioned Palestinian state is at the core of Jordan’s higher interests. He reiterated Jordan’s stand demanding that such a state be independent and viable within the pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution, UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Regarding the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, the King stressed the importance of expediting efforts to arrive at a comprehensive political solution that safeguards the unity of Syria and the Syrian people, ends violence and helps the entire region preclude its catastrophic effects.
The Monarch highlighted the increasing burden on Jordan’s resources as a result of hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees, standing currently at more than 60,000, in addition to a larger number of Syrian residents who are not registered as refugees.
The King and the visiting delegation discussed means to advance bilateral cooperation in various fields. His Majesty expressed his appreciation of the assistance the US provides to Jordan, which contributes to its comprehensive development programmes and plans.
The delegates commended Jordan’s pro-peace policies led by King Abdullah and the Kingdom’s reform drive.
The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, King’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury and King’s Adviser Abdullah Wreikat
