King, French president discuss ties, regional developments

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday covered bolstering the two countries’ partnership, as well as current regional and international developments.

During bilateral talks, which were followed by expanded ones at the Élysée Palace attended by HRH Prince Ali, the importance of advancing economic, military, and security cooperation was stressed, in addition to the need to maintain consultation and coordination between Jordan and France on issues of mutual concern. 

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for France’s support to Jordan in a number of development programmes, according to a Royal Court statement.

The expanded talks, which continued over a working dinner, covered efforts to reach political solutions to regional crises, with His Majesty and President Macron stressing the need to exert all efforts to prevent escalation or a rise in tensions, the statement said.

Discussing the Palestinian cause, the King underscored the importance of ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty also lauded France’s firm position on the two-state solution, according to the statement.

Turning to the Syrian crisis, the King reaffirmed the need to reach a political solution that safeguards the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of its people, while guaranteeing the safe, voluntary return of refugees.

His Majesty called for safeguarding the security and stability of Iraq and protecting all components of the Iraqi people, while stepping up efforts to overcome tensions and avoid threats to regional security and stability.

In addition, the talks covered efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach, and Jordanian-French cooperation in this regard through the Aqaba Process meetings.

For his part, President Macron commended Jordan’s efforts in hosting Syrian refugees and fighting terrorism.