King discusses ties, region with US Congressional leaders, committees

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday warned that any unilateral Israeli measure to annex lands in the West Bank is unacceptable and undermines the prospects of achieving peace and stability in the region.

At meetings held via conference calls with US Congressional leaders and committees, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah stressed the importance of establishing an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to a Royal Court statement.

In calls with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programmes at the Senate and the House, His Majesty discussed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, and the latest regional developments, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.

The King reaffirmed the strength of Jordanian-US relations, and keenness to enhance cooperation across various sectors, expressing appreciation for the support provided by the United States to Jordan in development and defence.

Discussions covered efforts to reach political solutions to crises in the Middle East, as well as regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

International efforts to counter coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and cooperation to mitigate its humanitarian and economic repercussions were also discussed.

The US lawmakers described His Majesty as the voice of moderation in the region, expressing keenness to hear from the King on developments in the Middle East.

They also commended Jordan’s handling of COVID-19 and the measures taken to ensure public health and safety.

Moreover, they expressed appreciation of His Majesty and his ongoing outreach to Congress leaders and committees, despite the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh, Adviser to His Majesty for Policies and Media Kamal Al Nasser, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Dina Kawar attended the meetings.