King meets with Kuwait deputy PM over regional concerns

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah.

Talks focused on means to foster cooperation and the latest regional developments, a Royal Court statement said. 

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniyeh Palace, the two sides discussed issues of mutual concern and efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, “which endanger peace and security in the Middle East and the world”, the statement said. 

Regarding peace efforts, the King asserted the need for the resumption of peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions, to guarantee the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state. 

King Abdullah also stressed the importance of intensifying Arab and international efforts to rebuild the Gaza Strip, which was devastated by the July-August Israeli offensive.

With regard to the Syrian crisis, the King reasserted the need to arrive at a comprehensive political solution, highlighting the heavy burdens borne by the Kingdom as a result of hosting a large number of Syrian refugees. 

On Iraq, the King reiterated Jordan’s position in support of efforts to boost national reconciliation in the eastern neighbour country as part of a comprehensive political process that engages all the political components of the Iraqi people.

Sheikh Sabah, who arrived in Amman following a visit to Jerusalem, conveyed greetings from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah to His Majesty and voiced Kuwait’s appreciation of Jordan’s efforts in serving Arab and Islamic causes, especially in line with the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.  

He also stressed Kuwait’s commitment to developing its cooperation with Jordan, building on previous accomplishments, and maintaining consultation and coordination regarding the various regional developments. 

King Abdullah expressed his pride in the strong Jordanian-Kuwaiti ties, expressing his appreciation of Kuwait’s support for Jordan. 

He also congratulated the Emir of Kuwait as he has been recently named “Humanitarian Leader” by the United Nations, in appreciation of his efforts in this regard.