King, German FM discuss Mideast peace, counter-terrorism

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday received German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is visiting the Kingdom as part of a regional tour.

During the meeting, the King expressed keenness in advancing the Jordanian-German relationship in all fields, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Talks also covered the current regional challenges, especially the efforts exerted to combat rising terrorism and radicalism. 

It was also stressed during the meeting that the stalled Palestinian-Israeli peace process needs more intensified efforts to be revived with the ultimate goal being an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution, the statement said. 

For his part, Steinmeier expressed appreciation for the Monarch's efforts to improve Jordanian-German ties and his keenness on maintaining coordination and cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King's Office Director Jafar Hassan and German Ambassador to Amman Ralph Tarraf.

The King recently concluded an official visit to Berlin where he has held talks with German President Joachim Gauck, Chancellor Angela Merkel and other senior German officials.

Also on Saturday, Judeh held talks with Steinmeier that tackled bilateral relations and latest regional developments.