Iran supports Jordan as custodian of Jerusalem’s shrines — envoy

AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Wednesday confirmed Jordan’s participation in the 13th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Member States, which will be held in Iran next month.

Upon receiving an official invitation from Iranian Ambassador in Amman Mahabati Fardosi, Tarawneh said that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, will continue its support for Palestinians to achieve their goals and establish their state.

During the meeting with the ambassador, the speaker added that the session will be held on Jerusalem upon a request made by Jordan to maintain the momentum of efforts aimed to protect the holy city and promote the Palestinian cause.

He stressed Jordan’s determination to maintain the Hashemite Custodianship of the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem.

Tarawneh underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and Iran, calling on the Islamic Republic to play a role that promotes consensus in the region and support states rather than parties or groups.

For his part, Fardosi stressed his country’s support for Jordan in its stand regarding US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy to the occupied city, describing it as “an honourable stance”.

The diplomat also highlighted Iran’s support for the Hashemite Custodianship of the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem, calling on the region’s countries to stand together in the face of the Israeli arrogance.

He condemned the Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian lands, reiterating the significance of Jerusalem as a city that lies at the heart of the nation, both Muslims and Christians.

Last week, the Iranian ambassador met with head of Lower House’s Palestine Committee Yahya Saud.

Saud stressed the “deep-rooted” relations between Jordan and Iran and expressed appreciation for Iran’s role and support for Jordan’s stance in refusing Trump’s decision and its understanding of Jordan’s efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to support the Palestinian cause.

For his part, the ambassador praised the Jordanian role in protecting the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem through the Hashemite custodianship, noting that Iran supports Jordan in regard to the US decision, which he described as an utter bias to the occupation.

He stressed his country’s keenness on enhancing Jordanian-Iranian bilateral relations and increasing visits.