King holds talks with Moroccan monarch, top officials

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East with King Mohammed VI of Morocco, according to a Royal Court statement.

At their Rabat meeting, the two leaders voiced hope that next week’s Arab summit would come up with a joint Arab vision to resolve regional crises and overcome common challenges. 

During the meeting, held at the Royal Palace, the King and the Moroccan monarch highlighted the importance of taking practical and tangible steps to intensify joint Arab action to serve the interests of the Arab nation and promote its causes. 

King Abdullah and King Mohammed VI discussed the main items on the summit’s agenda, especially the peace process and Jerusalem, Iraqi national reconciliation, developments in Syria and Libya and efforts to combat terrorism. 

Their talks focused on international and regional efforts to revive Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on a two-state solution, which, they agreed, is the only solution to end the conflict.

As for Jerusalem, the two leaders highlighted the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo, warning of any attempts to change it due to the consequences of such a policy on stability and security in the Middle East.

They also stressed on the importance of protecting sanctuaries in Jerusalem. 

The two leaders discussed developments regarding the Syrian crisis, highlighting the importance of finding a political solution to ensure the integrity of the Syrian territory and unity of its people. 

Talks also focused on developments in Iraq and Libya, with the two leaders voicing support for efforts aimed at achieving Iraqi national reconciliation, in addition to supporting efforts to unify Libyans and achieve stability and safety.

King Abdullah commended Morocco’s efforts to reach a political solution to the crises in Libya through the Skhirat agreement.

On regional and international efforts to combat terrorism, the two leaders urged a holistic approach, reiterating that Islam has nothing to do with terror acts, which contradict humanitarian values.

They underlined the model Jordan and Morocco provide in religious harmony and inter-faith dialogue. 

For his part, the Moroccan king emphasised the significance of holding the Arab summit in Jordan, in light of the waging conflicts in the region that dictate unified Arab stands and political solutions to the crises. 

Meetings with premier, leading lawmakers

Also on Thursday, His Majesty discussed bilateral relations with Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki and President of the House of Councillors Hakim Benchamach at the Agdal Palace in Rabat.

Discussions focused on bilateral relations in parliamentary and legal fields, where His Majesty highlighted the importance of exchanging expertise between instititions in both countries. 

For his part, Benkirane highlighted the depth of Jordanian-Moroccan relations and voiced interest to boost them in all fields to serve mutual interests.

El Malki commended the Kingdom’s role in serving Arab and Islamic causes and its steps towards comprehensive reform to boost democracy and rule of law.

Benchamach voiced interest to boost parliamentary cooperation through exchanging experiences and expertise. 

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, National Security Adviser and General Intelligence Department Director Gen. Faisal Shobaki and National Policies Council Rapporteur Abdullah Wreikat.

Opening African art exhibition 

His Majesty and King Mohammed VI also inaugurated the “African Art Exhibition” at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, according to the statement. 

The two leaders toured the facilities of the exhibition, which featured photographs, sculptures and oil paintings that represent African history and heritage of various African artists. 

The museum was opened in 2014 and is the first of its kind to exhibit works of modern and contemporary art. 

Also King Abdullah accompanied by HRH Prince Ghazi, the King’s personal envoy and religious affairs adviser, visited the tomb of late King Mohammed V of Morocco to pay tribute to the late monarch.