King meets US defence secretary, urges restoring calm in Palestinian territories

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday stressed the need to restore calm and de-escalate in the Palestinian Territories, as well as cease any unilateral measures that undermine stability and peace prospects.

At a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in Amman, King Abdullah urged stepping up efforts to create a political horizon that would pave the way towards relaunching Palestinian-Israeli negotiations to reach just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty reaffirmed the importance of establishing an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting also covered the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, as well as prospects for expanding defence cooperation.

The King expressed pride in the deep-rooted ties of friendship and the strong military partnership between the two countries.

Discussions also covered the latest regional developments, as well as efforts to reach political solutions to crises in the region.

Regional and international efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, US Ambassador to Jordan Henry Wooster, and the accompanying US delegation attended the meeting.