Jordan, US discuss partnership, regional peace

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Prince Feisal on Tuesday met with the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by Darrell Issa (R-California), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace and attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Prince Feisal and the delegation discussed cooperation between the two countries within the context of strategic Jordanian-US partnership. 

They focused on the Kingdom's economic challenges in light of the  repercussions of regional crises and developments in the Middle East, especially efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, the Syrian crisis and the war on terrorism. 

Also on Tuesday, Prime Minister Hani Mulki and the US delegation discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, at a meeting also attended by Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani.

Mulki highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries, referring to His Majesty King Abdullah and US President Donald Trump's summit meeting earlier this month.

The prime minister thanked the US for its support for Jordan in the face of economic challenges caused by the unstable regional conditions, including the Syrian refugee influx, in addition to border closures affecting the Kingdom's exports.

The government has been focusing its efforts on attracting direct investments and boosting tourism, especially medical tourism, the premier noted, outlining to the visiting lawmakers the comprehensive reform Jordan has been implementing in the political and economic fields. He highlighted public sector development as a top priority to improve services provided to citizens and investors alike. 

Mulki highlighted the importance the US’ expected role, in cooperation with Arab countries, to help bring the Palestinian and the Israeli sides together to negotiate a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict, based on the two-state solution. 

Talks also focused on efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. 

For his part, Darrell and the delegates commended Jordan’s role in ensuring security and stability in the region, stressing the importance of boosting bilateral ties. 

They further voiced their appreciation of Jordan’s role in shouldering the burdens of the refugee crisis.