King meets Senate leaders, House Foreign Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed that regional stability cannot be achieved without fulfilling the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of their independent state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

During meetings on Capitol Hill with the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, along with a bipartisan group of senators, His Majesty noted the pivotal role of the United States in supporting peace efforts in the region, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, reiterated Jordan’s rejection of attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

His Majesty called for maintaining the Gaza ceasefire and stepping up international efforts to boost the humanitarian response, the statement said.

The King warned of the escalation in the West Bank, settlement activity, and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Discussions also covered regional developments, especially in Syria and Lebanon, and the need to maintain stability, the statement said.

The strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, and means to expand cooperation were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States Dina Kawar attended the meetings.