King meets with UK FM, calls for political solutions to regional crises

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that crises in the Middle East require stepping up regional and international efforts to reach political solutions that bring stability and security for the region’s peoples.

During a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss in London, King Abdullah expressed Jordan’s support for efforts to safeguard Syria’s sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and the unity of its people, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty called for reaching just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In addition, the King said Jordan will continue its efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

His Majesty also stressed the need to maintain support for UNRWA to sustain its relief services in line with its UN mandate.

The meeting covered means of boosting economic, trade and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

For her part, Secretary Truss expressed her country’s keenness on strengthening its historical ties with Jordan and expanding them in various fields, pointing to the UK’s support for Jordan’s development efforts, and in providing educational and health service to refugees.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas attended the meetings.