Setting the tone

The meeting between His Majesty King Abdullah and His Majesty King Salman of Saudi Arabia in Amman just two days before the Arab summit convenes at the Dead Sea was not only timely but also gives today’s summit an additional impetus and a sense of direction.

The historical relations between the two kingdoms are constantly cemented, going from strength to strength. 

They offer a fine example of inter-Arab relations, that should be emulated, for, such ties are very much needed at this extremely critical time in regional and international affairs.

The warmth with which King Salman was received in Amman reflects the special relations   between the two countries and their leaderships.

These relations will be further boosted by the series of important agreements the two countries signed on the occasion, foremost among them the memorandum of association for a company that will run the Saudi-Jordanian Investment Fund, which is expected to invest $3 billion in projects in Jordan.

The two leaders highlighted the pivotal role of the Jordanian-Saudi Coordination Council, an instrument that helps pave the way for even closer relations by enhancing and institutionalising the strategic partnership between the two kingdoms.

The two monarchs stressed the need for continued coordination and cooperation between the two countries on all regional and international issues of mutual concern, and the importance of taking advantage of the Arab summit to strengthen inter-Arab relations and build a unified Arab position on all issues of common concern.

The many conflicts and flashpoints in the region were discussed by the two leaders, with focus on the Palestinian problem and the two-state solution as the only viable and sustainable way to settle it.

The need to protect the holy sites in East Jerusalem was also given high priority, as “any violation would have implications on the security and stability of the region as a whole”.

Support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region and the need to continue the fight against terrorism were also tackled, with agreement that all forms of terrorism have to be combated in a comprehensive manner, as were the crises in the Middle East to which political solutions have to be found so that people in the countries plagued by crises can live in peace and security. 

The meeting between the two kings has thus set the tone for the Arab summit.

Hopefully it will have also set the stage for successful Arab discussions.