King, Palestinian president discuss efforts to advance peace process

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah met on Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Al Husseiniya Palace, and discussed developments related to the Palestinian cause and efforts to push the peace process forward.

King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s position in support of the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinians, stressing the need to step up international efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace that would enable the Palestinians to establish their independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s commitment to its historical and religious role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship, stressing the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and end all unilateral Israeli measures in the city.

The meeting, held within the framework of ongoing Jordanian-Palestinian coordination, also covered the deep-rooted bilateral ties.

For his part, President Abbas expressed appreciation of the King’s positions in support of the Palestinians, noting the significance of His Majesty’s latest visit to Washington, DC, which underscored the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the importance of advancing efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

President Abbas also affirmed the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni and a delegation of senior Palestinian officials attended the meeting.