Jordan, S. Arabia see decision on Israeli settlements as ‘historic’

AMMAN — Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz on Monday received Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, who delivered an invitation from His Majesty King Abdullah to the monarch to attend the Arab summit in March.

Judeh conveyed King Abdullah's greetings to King Salman, stressing that his participation in the summit and his contributions to resolutions and recommendations, “under such exceptional circumstances in the region and the world these days, will render the meeting a success”, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

For his part, the Saudi king expressed his satisfaction with the "brotherly ties" with His Majesty, emphasising that holding the summit under the presidency of King Abdullah provides a "unique opportunity" for Arab countries to discuss regional challenges, enhance joint Arab action and settle inter-Arab disputes. 

King Salman also praised King Abdullah's efforts to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and to overcome regional challenges, highlighting Jordanian-Saudi coordination in this regard.

He reiterated his condemnation of the recent Karak terror attacks, voicing his condolences to King Abdullah, the Jordanian people and the families of fallen officers and innocent people, stressing that the security of Saudi Arabia and Jordan are of equal priority to both countries. 

Later in the day, Judeh met with his Saudi counterpart Adel Al Jubeir to discuss "bilateral ties in various fields. They highlighted their keenness on sustaining coordination and communication over regional issues.

The two ministers discussed efforts to fight extremism and terrorism, with Judeh stressing that Jordan will remain at the forefront of any endeavour to combat terrorism, Petra reported.

They also went over the latest developments in the Syrian conflict, underlining the fact that Jordan bears the biggest share of the humanitarian burden of the Syrian crisis.

The officials reiterated the significance of resuming effective and serious negotiations with a fixed timeframe between the Palestinians and the Israelis, which should lead eventually to establishing an independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Prior to holding a joint press conference, they also referred to the recent UN Security Council resolution on the illegitimatcy of the Israeli settlements, describing it as a “historic milestone”.  

Also on Monday, Judeh delivered a similar message from the King to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received by Deputy UAE President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum.

Comorian President Azali Assoumani received Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of State for Investment Affairs Jawad Anani, who delivered a letter from King Abdullah inviting Assoumani to attend the Arab summit.

The president expressed his willingness to take part in the summit, praising the major role of His Majesty in preserving the Kingdom’s security and stability and supporting Arab causes in a way that boosts pan-Arab solidarity, according to Petra.

Assoumani also appreciated Jordan’s support for the Palestinian cause and efforts to defend the holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite custodianship.

He also commended the Jordanian economic experience, expressing his country’s willingness to activate economic cooperation with the Kingdom.