King renews support for Palestinians in meeting with President Abbas

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday discussed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas developments of the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem.

During a one-on-one meeting followed by expanded talks, His Majesty voiced Jordan's continuous support to Palestinians in international arenas in maintaining their historical and legal rights in Jerusalem and endeavours to establish the independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

King Abdullah called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to protect the rights of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem.

The talks went over the indispensable role of UNRWA and the need to sustain international support to the agency’s services to Palestinians, given that there are 6 million Palestinian refugees registered with the UN.

For his part, Abbas briefed the King on his efforts and meetings with various international bodies over the challenges facing the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.

The Palestinian leadership, with support from Jordan and other countries, has launched a drive to secure global recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of the envisioned Palestinian state, in the aftermath of a US decision to recognise the city as the capital of Israel. 

The US administration, the largest UNRWA donor, has slashed its assistance to the agency and President Donald Trump has threatened more punitive measures.    

The president voiced his and the Palestinian people’s appreciation for the Jordanian stance and His Majesty’s efforts in supporting the Palestinians and protecting the holy places in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi attended the meeting.