King leaves for US

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah left on Monday for a working visit to Washington, DC, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Barack Obama on December 5. 

King Abdullah and Obama will discuss means to boost strategic relations between the two countries in the political, economic and military fields, a Royal Court statement said.

They will also look into the latest regional developments, including efforts to deal with the mounting violence, and push for the resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis based on the two-state solution. 

Talks will focus on the situation in Syria and its impact on Jordan, in addition to examining prospects to foster cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, the statement said. 

During the visit, the Monarch will meet with several US administration officials, congressmen and representatives of leading think tanks in Washington, DC.   

The last time His Majesty and Obama met was during the NATO summit in Wales in September.

Jordan, which has a “strategic” relationship with Washington, has recently joined a US-led coalition against terror groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, former Jordanian ambassador to Washington Karim Kawar noted that the King's visit is "very significant" in terms of its timing and the issues His Majesty will discuss with Obama and other US officials.

He cited assistances, regional unrest and the impact of hosting Syrian refugees in the Kingdom as the top files King Abdullah is expected to focus on in his meetings. 

Kawar also noted that the King and Obama will discuss the future of the peace process and ways to revive the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, stressing the “distinguished” and “historical” ties binding Jordan and the US.

“Jordan is a model regional country, gaining such a status despite a diversity of challenges and difficulties facing its economy,” he said. 

HRH Prince Feisal was sworn in as Regent.