King receives EU's Mogherini

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, received High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini at Al Husseiniya Palace on Monday.

The meeting covered the partnership between Jordan and the EU and means of bolstering it in various fields, as well as current regional developments.

King Abdullah expressed Jordan’s appreciation for the support provided by the EU in a number of fields.

Keenness to expand ongoing coordination and consultation between Jordan and the EU on issues of mutual concern was also stressed during the meeting.

Discussing the Palestinian cause, His Majesty reiterated the need to step up efforts to reach just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, noting the important role of the EU in this regard.

The King reaffirmed the need to reach political solutions to regional crises, which would restore security and stability to the peoples of the region.

Also at the meeting, His Majesty bestowed the Order of Al Istiqlal (Independence) of the First Degree on High Representative Mogherini in appreciation for her efforts to enhance cooperation between Jordan and the EU.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Khasawneh attended the meeting from the Jordanian side, while EU Ambassador to Jordan Maria Hadjitheodosiou and the delegation accompanying Representative Mogherini attended on the EU side.

Also on Monday, Safadi discussed with Mogherini means to enhance the Jordanian-EU relations as well as the latest regional developments.

During the meeting, Mogherini said that the EU is moving ahead with approving new soft loan of 500 million euros to Jordan, voicing appreciation for the Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance to refugees, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.