His Majesty holds talks with several heads of state, officials on UNGA sidelines

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, held several talks over the past two days in New York with several heads of state and high-ranking officials on the sidelines of the 74th General Assembly of the United Nations. 

The King on Tuesday met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, with talks focusing on the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries.

Talks also covered the two countries' keenness to bolster cooperation in various fields, a Royal Court statement said.

Discussions also covered the latest regional developments, with King Abdullah reiterating the need to intensify international efforts to reject all unilateral measures that would undermine the two-state solution, which is the only solution to the conflict, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 6, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

Regional crises and efforts to reach political solutions to restore security and stability to the people of the region were also reviewed during the meeting.

The two sides discussed the Syrian refugee crisis and the need for the international community to shoulder its responsibilities towards host countries to enable them to continue effectively providing relief and humanitarian services to refugees.

In a meeting with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, the King and Guterres discussed the latest regional developments, especially efforts to achieve peace in the region, the statement said.

King Abdullah stressed the need to step up international efforts to reject all unilateral measures that would undermine the two-state solution, which is the only solution to the conflict, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

Discussions at the meeting, attended by Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sima Bahous, covered regional crises and efforts to reach political solutions to restore security and stability to the people of the region.

The two sides stressed the importance of the memorandum of understanding signed recently in New York, under the framework of the Aqaba Process meetings, between Jordan and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

Talks with President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqayev highlighted the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation over issues of mutual concern.

King Abdullah commended Kazakhstan's role in hosting the Astana talks, which aim to create suitable conditions for a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

His Majesty also discussed bilateral ties and opportunities to enhance cooperation with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, according to the statement.

The meeting with the Australian PM covered the importance of continuing coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

The latest regional developments, efforts to reach political solutions to regional crises, and efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach were also discussed.

On Monday, the King met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss means of bolstering the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding cooperation in various fields, especially economic cooperation. 

The meeting covered the deep-rooted Jordanian-Japanese relations and the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation over issues of mutual concern, in service of the two countries and peoples, according to the Royal Court.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for Japan’s support to various development programmes in Jordan.

Discussions at the meeting, which continued over a working dinner, touched on regional developments, efforts to reach political solutions to regional crises, and efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach, as well as Jordanian-Japanese coordination in this regard. 

Efforts to achieve peace were also discussed, with Prime Minister Abe reaffirming Japan's commitment to the two-state solution as the basis for resolving the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Prime Minister Abe commended Jordan’s efforts in maintaining the security and stability of the Middle East, highlighting the Syrian refugee burden shouldered by the Kingdom.

Moreover, he stressed Japan's keenness to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation with Jordan, in the best interests of the two peoples.

Also on Monday, King Abdullah met with Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, on the sidelines of the Leaders Dialogue: Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives.

The meeting covered bilateral relations and means to enhance cooperation in various fields.

King Abdullah expressed appreciation for Norway’s support to Jordan in development sectors, the statement added.

Discussions also covered regional developments, efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, and efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, talks focused on cooperation between Jordan and the UN agency in conserving cultural heritage, the statement said.

Discussions, attended by Bahous, also covered the role of UNESCO in safeguarding global heritage sites in danger, with King Abdullah stressing that Jordan will persist in undertaking its historical and religious role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh attended the meetings on Monday and Tuesday, according to the statement.