King meets outgoing EU foreign affairs representative

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday met Catherine Ashton, the outgoing EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

The King thanked Ashton for her contributions and “distinguished” efforts to foster the relationship between the Kingdom and the EU, which reached an advanced level of partnership, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty underlined Jordan’s commitment to supporting EU efforts in bringing about peace, stability and security to the region and its people — an endeavour that requires international participatory efforts.

He cited regional and international efforts to deal with the dangers of terrorism and combat extremist ideologies that not only threaten the region, but the entire world.

Highlighting the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s position in backing a comprehensive political solution that protects the unity and cohesion of Syria and its people.

Turning to Iraq, the Monarch said the Kingdom stands behind Iraqis in their efforts to overcome different challenges and supports all efforts that enhance their unity and participation in building their future.

Talks also covered attempts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East according to the two-state solution in a way that addresses final-status issues, arriving at the establishment of an independent state of Palestine on Palestinian national soil.

For her part, Ashton commended the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining coordination with the EU at all levels, lauding Jordan’s “wisdom” in dealing with regional concerns.

At the end of the meeting, the King bestowed the Kawkab Medal of the First order on the EU official in recognition of her efforts, according to the statement.

Also on Sunday, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh met with Ashton and discussed Jordanian-EU relations and the latest regional developments, including the Syrian refugee crisis and the need to reach a political solution to end the conflict in Syria, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Judeh thanked the EU for aiding Jordan in hosting Syrian refugees.

The diplomats also stressed the need to revive Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations to achieve the two-state solution.

In press remarks after the meeting, Judeh said Ashton’s visit to Jordan was her last as EU foreign policy chief, a position she has held for the past five years.

During her tenure, Jordanian-EU relations crossed several milestones, the minister said, citing Jordan’s advanced status that was announced in 2010 and the joint presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean.

He thanked Ashton for her support to Arab-EU relations in general and Jordanian-EU ties in particular.

Ashton said the EU appreciates its “excellent” ties with Jordan and the mutual support they share to address the key issues facing the Middle East, according to Petra.