King meets Italy PM, stresses importance of enhancing political, economic cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday discussed with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni bilateral ties and the latest regional and international developments.

At the meeting, held at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers at Chigi Palace, King Abdullah stressed Jordan’s keenness to bolster the friendly relations between Jordan and Italy and the importance of strengthening political and economic cooperation, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for the development support provided by Italy, emphasising Jordan’s keenness to enhance economic, defence, and security cooperation.

The meeting covered means of bolstering the partnership between Jordan and Italy in tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, and water, in addition to energy and infrastructure.

The King further underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation and regional integration, reaffirming the need to include Palestinians in regional projects to catalyse peace efforts.

His Majesty praised Italy and the European Union’s supportive position towards efforts to achieve peace.

The King stressed the need to step up efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict 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.

His Majesty also noted Jordan’s continued efforts towards safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship.

The refugee crisis and its ramifications on host communities were also discussed, as well as the need for political solutions to the region’s crises to prevent in order to prevent new refugee influxes and enable the safe return of refugees to their countries.

For her part, the Italian prime minister commended the strong ties between Jordan and Italy, noting that the Kingdom is an integral partner for Italy in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Meloni commended Jordan’s efforts towards countering terrorism and extremism as part of the Aqaba Process initiative, praising His Majesty’s role in highlighting the true image of Islam.

The prime minister stressed Italy’s firm position in supporting the two-state solution as a means to achieve peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis and end the conflict.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Jordan’s Ambassador to Italy Qais Abu Daieh, and a number of senior Italian officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, an official welcoming ceremony was held for His Majesty upon arrival at Chigi Palace.

The King returned to Jordan on Monday after a trip that included visits to Egypt, Algeria and Italy