King holds talks with US VP

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held talks with US Vice President Kamala Harris, covering opportunities for enhancing the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States.

The two sides highlighted the importance of cooperation between Jordan and the United States in supporting regional integration projects in the fields of energy, food security and water, according to a Royal Court statement.

The meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, also covered issues of mutual concern, with King Abdullah pointing to the importance of stepping up collective efforts towards calm and de-escalation in Palestinian Territories, as well as working with the international community to reach just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution.

His Majesty called for maintaining the historical and legal status quo in Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

Regional and international developments were also discussed in the meeting, in addition to means of reaching political solutions to regional crises.

For her part, Vice President Harris reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Jordan in various fields, highlighting the Kingdom’s important role in maintaining the status quo in Jerusalem, and safeguarding holy sites in the city, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship, on top of the Jordanian efforts to promote peace.

She also reiterated the United States’ support for de-escalation in the region and enhancing prospects of economic integration.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Dina Kawar attended the meeting.