King holds series of US Congress meetings

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, on Tuesday started his meetings in the US Congress by holding discussions with the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

The meeting covered the historical relations between the two countries, in addition to the latest regional and international developments, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s keenness on further bolstering ties with the United States, as well as maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

His Majesty highlighted Jordan’s steadfast position towards the Palestinian cause, and called for relaunching the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis, on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

For their part, the chairman and members of the committee stressed the importance of the King’s frequent meetings in the Capitol as an opportunity to listen to his views on regional and international issues, in addition to the prospects of peace and finding peaceful solutions to crises in the Middle East.

The US lawmakers commended the strong relations between the two countries, expressing keenness on enhancing relations further in several fields.

His Majesty also met with the Senate Committee on Appropriations and discussed the US-Jordan strategic partnership, with the King highlighting opportunities for cooperation in economic and development-related fields, as well as food security, while building on bilateral agreements to expand and bolster ties.

Expressing Jordan’s keenness to advance regional integration and resiliency networks to counter threats to food security, His Majesty voiced appreciation for the United States’ ongoing support for the Kingdom in a number of vital sectors.

For their part, the chairman and members of the committee commended Jordan’s economic reform measures, stressing the United States’ readiness to advance economic cooperation.

Also at the Capitol, the King met with US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and members of the Senate leadership, reaffirming the deeply rooted ties of friendship between the two countries.

The meeting covered the steps needed to rebuild trust between the Palestinians and the Israelis, with His Majesty reaffirming the importance of stepping up regional and international efforts to find a political horizon for the Palestinian cause and achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.

The King noted the important role of the United States in this regard, warning of the outcomes of escalation in East Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, as well as violations in Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and all holy sites in Jerusalem, and their negative implications on peace prospects.

His Majesty said Jordan will continue its efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship.

The Senate leaders commended Jordan’s pivotal role in bolstering regional stability and in pursuit of peace.

The King also met with the Senate Armed Services Committee and stressed the importance of ongoing defence and military cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting covered efforts to reach political solutions to regional and international crises, as well as efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach and deal with the implications of the crisis in Ukraine on international peace and the global economy.

Members of the committee noted Jordan’s stabilising role in the region, commending the two countries’ partnership in countering terrorism and extremism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington Dina Kawar attended the meetings.