Jordan, UK call for comprehensive approach to fight terror

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday began his working visit to the UK with a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street in London.

Discussions, attended by senior officials from the two countries, covered the latest regional developments and means to bolster bilateral cooperation, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King and Cameron expressed their keenness on enhancing ties in the service of joint interests.

Talks addressed anti-terrorism efforts and the need to combat terror gangs in the Middle East and Africa through a comprehensive approach, since the phenomenon is a threat to all without exception.

The two leaders reaffirmed support for the Iraqi government in its efforts to counter the threat of terror groups and bolster national unity.

Discussions also touched on the situation in Syria, with the King and Cameron stressing the need to arrive at a political solution to the crisis that safeguards the country's national unity and puts a stop to the suffering of the Syrian people.

During the meeting, the King and Cameron called for supporting Egypt's security and stability and aiding its President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi in his endeavours in this regard.

Regarding the latest developments in Libya, there were identical points of view on the importance of supporting the regional and international efforts to enhance Libyan unity in confronting different challenges the country is going through.

For his part, the British prime minister welcomed His Majesty’s visit to London, the first since the latest British legislative elections, praising the Monarch’s efforts in developing bilateral relations.

Cameron also stressed his government’s keenness to boost relations with the Kingdom and enhance the UK’s support to Jordan at different levels to enable it to face challenges resulting from regional crises, especially those related to hosting Syrian refugees and the pressure placed on the country’s infrastructure and services.

In this regard, he said that the British aid to Jordan to deal with Syrian refugees has reached until this year £220 million. The assistance, he said, has been aimed at alleviating the repercussions of the refugee crisis, especially on local communities hosting refugees.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan, Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK and senior British officials also attended the meeting. 

King Abdullah is scheduled to meet with British officials, members of the UK’s House of Lords and House of Commons, and with several political, intellectual and media figures, the statement said.  

His Majesty last met with Cameron in London in February last year.  They discussed developments in the region including the Syrian conflict and its impact on Jordan and other neighbouring states.

Last month, the King called Cameron and congratulated him on his party’s win in May’s general elections.

The British Conservative Party, led by Cameron, won a majority of the seats in the UK House of Commons. 

HRH Crown Prince Hussein was sworn in as Regent.