King, Abu Dhabi crown prince discuss Jordan-UAE ties, region

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday discussed bilateral ties and means to advance them across all sectors to serve mutual interests.

In talks in Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah and Sheikh Mohamed reviewed Jordan-UAE cooperation and coordination on a number of political, economic, and development-related issues, according to a Royal Court statement.

The talks covered a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause and the dangerous ramifications of the Israeli government’s announced steps to annex lands in the West Bank.

His Majesty and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi expressed their rejection of any unilateral measures, stressing that they violate international laws and undermine the prospects of achieving peace in the region.

The King reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only way to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and achieve just and comprehensive peace, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the  June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty also commended the United Arab Emirates’ active international diplomacy in support of the Arab position in rejection of annexation.

Sheikh Mohamed commended Jordan’s steadfast position in support of the Palestinian cause and its efforts to safeguard holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

The talks covered efforts to reach political solutions to crises in the region, to enable its peoples to live in peace, security and stability.

The King and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi also discussed efforts by the two countries to counter coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and means to enhance cooperation among their health institutions in this regard.

The latest developments related to COVID-19 regionally and globally, and international efforts to contain its economic and humanitarian implications were also discussed.

Moreover, Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of maintaining and bolstering Arab solidarity and cooperation under the current conditions, including the challenges and meddling attempts the region is facing.

The crown prince of Abu Dhabi noted that Arab unity and enhancing Arab security is a shared interest to counter the threats of meddling in Arab countries’ internal affairs, which jeopardise their security and sovereignty.

His Majesty and Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed keenness to continue bolstering bilateral ties to take them to new heights of cooperation and joint action to serve the interests of the two countries and peoples, highlighting the shared views between Jordan and the UAE on regional and international issues.

The King and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi expressed keenness to continue coordination and consultation between the two countries on various regional issues and crises, noting the importance of activating joint Arab action, especially during the current phase to unify positions on threats to regional security, stability and resources.

Moreover, His Majesty and Sheikh Mohamed pointed out the need to reach political and diplomatic solutions to regional crises.

Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh attended the meeting.

In Amman, HRH Crown Prince Hussein was sworn in as Regent, in the presence of Cabinet members.

The King returned home later in the day.