King, Abu Dhabi crown prince assert ‘deep-rooted’ UAE-Jordan ties

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Al Husseiniya Palace, a Royal Court statement said.

The two leaders affirmed the “deep ties” between the two countries and reviewed prospects of mutual cooperation and joint work in economy, development and politics, as well as means of fostering them in the best interest of both countries and peoples.

His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the UAE for its ongoing support for Jordan and its assistance in the implementation of development projects. 

The meeting was attended by HRH Prince Feisal and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Earlier in the day, His Majesty received the crown prince at Marka Airport, where an official welcoming ceremony was held.

The King asked Abu Dhabi crown prince to convey his greetings to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wishing him and the Emirati people prosperity and success. His Majesty also praised UAE’s stances in support of Jordan in light of the current challenges facing the region.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed conveyed Sheikh Khalifa’s greetings to His Majesty, wishing the King and the Jordanian people prosperity, progress and development, and expressing hope for the growth of Jordanian-Emirati relations in light of the friendship and respect the two countries share.

Sheikh Mohammad said that the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, is keen on fostering relations with the Kingdom to realise the aspirations of the two countries and enhance joint Arab action, particularly in light of the challenges the region is going through.

He also valued the Kingdom’s efforts with regards to the Palestinian cause as well as countering terrorism and extremism, indicating Jordan’s vital role in dealing with Arab and Middle East issues, and His Majesty’s “wise policy in service of Arab interests”. 

The crown prince stressed that the two countries see “eye to eye” on the necessity of joint Arab action to face regional challenges.

Attended by high ranking officials of the two countries, the talks, which continued over a lunch banquet in honour of Sheikh Mohammad and the accompanying delegation, also went over the latest regional developments, with both sides reiterating the need for sustaining coordination and consultation between Jordan and the UAE to serve issues of mutual interest.

On the Palestinian issue, the discussions focused on the necessity of resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, leading to an independent, sovereign Palestinian state within the pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty presented Sheikh Mohammad with the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Collar, the Kingdom’s highest civil order, presented to leaders of states.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi and other high ranking officials attended the meeting. 

From the Emirati side, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Hashimy, the deputy secretary general of the Supreme Council for National Security, UAE Ambassador to Jordan Matar Shamsi and other high ranking officials attended the talks.

Later in the day, His Majesty bid farewell to Sheikh Mohammad at Alia International Airport after concluding his brief visit to the Kingdom.