King meets with Kerry, Schwab as US visit starts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah started a working visit to New York on Sunday, where he met with US Secretary of State John Kerry, a statement by the Royal Court said.

During the talks, they discussed developments in the Syrian crisis, efforts of combating terrorism and ways to resume the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

His Majesty reiterated Jordan's support for endeavours meant to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, international and regional efforts in the war on terrorist organisations, and those aimed at reviving peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis, based on the two-state solution.

For his part, Kerry expressed his country's appreciation of the efforts of Jordan as it approaches the ongoing crises in the Middle East “wisely and efficiently”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh attended the meeting.

Also on Sunday, His Majesty met with World Economic Forum (WEF) Chairman Klaus Schwab over cooperation between Jordan and the forum, which has a “constant partnership with Jordan for its distinguished geographical location, economic features and its vital regional role”, the Royal Court said.

The meeting also covered the efforts and preparations to host the WEF's conference on the Middle East and North Africa, which is scheduled to be held, for the ninth time, at the Dead Sea in May 2017.