Amman, Riyadh call for pan-Arab anti-terror efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday reiterated the importance of joint Arab and Islamic efforts to fight terrorism and extremist groups. 

During an official visit by King Abdullah to Riyadh, both leaders stressed the importance of countering ideologies and practices that distort the true image of Islam and its values of tolerance and compassion. 

His Majesty stressed Jordan’s keenness to coordinate with Saudi Arabia in all issues that can serve the interests of both countries, and Arab and Islamic causes. 

His Majesty also expressed appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s support to Jordan at various levels, according to a Royal Court statement.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of building on the achievements both countries have realised, through developing brotherly relations in a way that enhances cooperation and partnership in different fields to benefit the peoples of both countries. 

Discussions also tackled ways to achieve peace in the region and the latest developments in the Arab arena, the statement added.

King Salman hosted a lunch banquet in honour of King Abdullah, who returned home later in the day and was seen off by Saudi Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, senior Saudi officials and Jordan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jamal Shamaileh.

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King Abdullah’s Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff General Mashal Al Zaben, King’s Adviser on National Security Affairs and the General Intelligence Department Director Gen. Faisal Shobaki, King’s Adviser Abdullah Wreikat and Shamaileh attended the meeting. 

Saudi crown prince and other senior Saudi royal family members and Cabinet ministers also attended the talks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prince Muqrin received Shamaileh and discussed means to enhance current cooperation between the two kingdoms, as well as regional developments and other issues of mutual concern, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

HRH Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, adviser at the crown prince’s court, and crown prince’s special secretary Abdulaziz Bin Saleh Al Hawas attended the meeting.