King meets leaders, visits CNN headquarters in New York

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday continued his meetings with high-profile leaders and activities on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a Royal Court statement said. 

He met with Albanian President Ilir Meta and discussed with him bilateral ties and means to strengthen cooperation in various fields, especially in economy, tourism, healthcare and investment.

The meeting also covered regional developments and efforts to combat terrorism and extremism within a holistic approach. 

His Majesty expressed appreciation for Albania for hosting an international meeting in June within the framework of the Aqaba meetings to follow up and coordinate global efforts to fight terrorism.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sima Bahous attended the meeting.

King Abdullah also met on Monday with UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay over cooperation between Jordan and the UN agency in conserving cultural heritage.

At the meeting, the King stressed the “important role of UNESCO in safeguarding endangered global heritage sites, including Old Jerusalem”, the Royal Court said.

His Majesty also stressed that Jordan would relentlessly perform its historical and religious role in safeguarding Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites under the Hashemite Custodianship of these shrines.

The King reiterated the fate of Jerusalem must be settled as part of final status issues, noting that this is key to achieving peace in the broader region.

For her part, Azoulay praised Jordan’s constructive role within UNESCO, especially its Jerusalem-related efforts and endeavours to protect human heritage and promote knowledge.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, visited CNN on Monday, at the Time Warner Centre in New York City.

His Majesty met with CNN President Jeff Zucker and the network’s leadership team and anchors.