King returns home after UK, Ireland visit

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah returned home on Friday evening after concluding a working visit to the UK and Ireland, during which he met with several world leaders and attended the London donor conference.

On Friday, the King met with Ireland President Michael Higgins and discussed bilateral ties and the latest regional developments, a Royal Court statement said. 

During the talks in Dublin at the presidential palace, His Majesty voiced hope that the visit will contribute to strengthening Jordanian-Irish relations.

During bilateral and, afterwards, expanded talks, the King stressed the importance of sustaining coordination and dialogue between the two countries on regional and international developments and ways to deal with them, enhancing security and stability. 

He highlighted the importance of finding a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis and intensifying international efforts to mitigate the suffering of Syrian refugees and host countries. 

The King also noted that Jordan is hosting a large number of refugees, which adds more pressure to its service sectors. 

The two leaders stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and extremism as well as the importance of reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations to reach a two-state solution. 

During the talks, attended by senior officials from both countries, Higgins welcomed King Abdullah and stressed the importance of the visit as an opportunity to build relations and increase cooperation. 

He commended His Majesty’s vision in dealing with the different regional issues, especially in regard to combating terrorism to instil security and stability in the Middle East.

The Irish president described Jordan as a role model in the region.

Also on Friday, His Majesty held talks with Ireland Taoiseach Enda Kenny on regional and international issues.

During bilateral talks followed by an expanded meeting at the government’s headquarters in Dublin, attended by senior officials from both countries, the King and Kenny discussed the repercussions of the Syrian crisis.

His Majesty said Jordan is looking forward to the results of the “Supporting Syria and the Region Conference” in London and the assistance it will bring to the Kingdom.

King Abdullah and Kenny also discussed combating terrorism, bilateral relations and the importance of exchanging expertise. 

During his London visit, the King met with British lawmakers and intellectuals and highlighted Jordan’s refugee burden at the donor conference.

On the sidelines of the conference, His Majesty held meetings with several world leaders and senior officials, which focused on the developments in the Middle East; particularly the Syrian crisis, its repercussions on the Kingdom and the role of the international community.