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A fruitful visit

Sep 19,2019 - Last updated at Sep 19,2019

His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Berlin on Tuesday for talks with German president Frank-Walter Steinmeir and Chancellor Angela Merkel was a special occasion to discuss urgent issues facing the Middle East, especially on the Palestinian front and regarding the recent flare-up of tensions in wake of the bombing of two major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. 

Germany is a global powerhouse that carries considerable weight both economically and politically in shaping the international scene. The talks in Germany coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Jordan-Germany development cooperation. Germany’s support to Jordan and to peace in the region has been exemplary with profound impact in shaping the Kingdom’s economic development and the peace process. 

The King spoke about the reckless statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days ago about plans to annex the Jordan Valley. This, the King warned, would be a “disaster” and would destroy the only recognised peace plan between the Palestinians and the Israelis on the basis of a two-state solution. 

The two-state solution, the King noted, is the only viable and sustainable  solution to the Palestinian problem. The King also spoke about the Hashemite Custodianship over the Muslim and Christian holy sites in East Jerusalem. “We are proud to carry this responsibility on behalf of Muslims and Christians... It is a religious and historical obligation,” the King said. 

Turning to economic development in Jordan, the King praised all that Berlin has done and continues to do to support Jordan’s economic reforms, which are dependent on “our very capable, young, talented population”. 

There is no doubt that the special relations between Jordan and Germany extend to many spheres. The German leaders praised what Jordan has been doing to improve its economy especially when it is burdened by the presence of so many refugees on its territory. 

By all accounts, the King’s talks with the German leaders in Berlin were highly successful. The meeting of the minds on many issues would lend support to peace and stability in the region. Germany’s role in promoting peace and security in the Middle East is highly appreciated. 

Thank you, Berlin, for your efforts and for all that you have done to help the cause of peace and security in the region.

 

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