King meets former PMs, says diversity of opinion strengthens Jordan, as long as it serves public interest

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday reaffirmed that Jordan respects political pluralism, which benefits its democratic progress, stressing that diversity of opinion strengthens the Kingdom, as long as it serves public interest.

At a meeting held at Al Husseiniya Palace with former prime ministers, King Abdullah said Jordan is moving steadily forward into modernisation, along the three parallel political, economic, and administrative tracks, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said Jordan maintains its network of relations in the region and does not rely on one side over others, as part of its efforts to diversify its options to achieve its interests and cover its strategic needs.

The King stressed the importance of Arab coordination meetings aimed at drawing up a roadmap for the region’s prosperity and stability, noting that Jordan works with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Iraq to build foundations of political and economic cooperation.

His Majesty stressed the importance of joint regional projects to counter challenges, especially combat poverty and unemployment, while seeking solutions to maintain food, energy and water security.

The King added that the region will be witnessing diplomatic activity in the coming period, and Jordan will play its part to support the region’s causes and safeguard its interests.

His Majesty highlighted the outcomes of his most recent visit to the United States and his productive meeting with President Joe Biden, which reflected the historical and strategic ties between the two countries.

The King noted the ongoing US support for Jordan across the political, economic, and military fields, commending President Biden’s stances towards Jordan, especially the Hashemite Custodianship in Jerusalem.

His Majesty said Jordan continues to support its Palestinian brethren and the steadfast Jerusalemites, stressing the need to reach a real horizon for the peace process to end the cycle of violence.

The King reaffirmed the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, which fulfils the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of their independent, sovereign, and viable state on the  June  4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

For their part, the former prime ministers highlighted their views on a number of domestic and regional issues, expressing appreciation of His Majesty’s steadfast positions in safeguarding Jordan’s interests and defending Arab causes.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting.

Ahead of Sunday’s meeting with His Majesty, Foreign Minister Safadi and GID Director Maj. Gen. Husni gave briefings to the former prime ministers on developments related to Jordan’s foreign policy and security assessments in the region.