King, Obama discuss impact of Syria crisis on neighbours, ties

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received a telephone call from US President Barack Obama during which the two leaders discussed the latest regional developments, especially the situation in Syria, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the phone conversation, the two leaders tackled the Syrian crisis and its consequences on the regional and neighbouring countries, especially Jordan, with His Majesty reiterating the need for a comprehensive political solution to Syria’s ongoing war that can end the suffering of its people.

The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and the Jordanian-US strategic cooperation, said a Royal Court statement.

President Obama voiced appreciation for the King’s efforts to achieve peace stability in the region in addition to the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to the Syrian refugees, according to the statement. 

In Washington, King Abdullah and US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed on Tuesday developments in the Middle East, especially in relation to peace efforts and the Syrian crisis. 

King Abdullah called on increasing efforts to push for resuming the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks in order to address final-status issues, arriving at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, 

Stressing the importance of the leading role of the US in backing the peace process, the Monarch said Jordan would continue its endeavours, along with all stakeholders, to arrive at a just, comprehensive and permanent resolution for the Palestinian issue, the “core conflict in the region”. 

In relation to the situation in Syria, the King reiterated his call for a political solution to the crisis that would end the suffering of Syrians and preserve the unity and coherence of its people. 

Also on Wednesday, the King attended in New York a special conference held by Clinton Foundation to support Jordan’s national plan to empower local communities hosting Syrian refugees, prepared by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

In remarks at the meeting, attended by influential US figures and non-governmental institutions, the King reviewed the impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan as a result of hosting 1.3 million Syrians, including 600,000 registered refugees, making Jordan the world’s third largest host of refugees.

He noted that the assistance extended by the international community focuses on relief aid and humanitarian needs of refugees, ignoring the aid provided by hosting communities.

His Majesty started his visit to the US with a meeting with investment leaders from US Angel Investment Group in San Francisco who are interested in supporting entrepreneurs and start-up projects in the world. 

He also delivered a speech at the Innovative Jordan Conference hosted by the University of California in Berkeley.

The speech highlighted available opportunities in the ICT sector and electronic content that made the Kingdom a pioneering centre in this field regionally and internationally.

In addition, he and CEOs of major US companies convened and discussed boosting investment relations between Jordan and the US.

The Monarch briefed them on the investment opportunities available in the Kingdom, especially in the ICT sector.

He also paid a visit to business incubator “Plug and Play” for IT manufacturing at Sunnyville, San Francisco, which supported major US companies.

King Abdullah was briefed on the exerted efforts to empower start-up companies in ICT, and how Jordan can benefit from this experience to enhance and sustain the environment needed for start-up companies in this sector.

The King also met with main representatives of civil society organisations  on the US West Coast during his visit to Los Angeles in California.

Discussions covered the latest regional and international developments, where King Abdullah highlighted the Kingdom’s stance towards the Syrian crisis, warning against the fallout of a prolonged conflict on the Syrian people, neighbouring countries and the entire region.

During his meeting with leading US and international filmmakers, discussions covered ways the Jordanian market can benefit from their experience in the field. 

They also discussed opportunities to benefit from the Kingdom’s natural resources and significant tourism sites, such as Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, in filmmaking and production.