King receives UK foreign secretary

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday received UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, at a meeting attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein.

King Abdullah stressed the deep-rooted ties with the United Kingdom, expressing keenness to enhance cooperation across various sectors and maintain coordination in service of mutual interests, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty expressed appreciation of the UK’s economic and development support for Jordan, as well as the assistance it provides for refugees.

Discussions covered the latest regional and international developments, in addition to the importance of stepping up efforts towards calm and de-escalation in the Palestinian Territories, and ceasing unilateral measures that would undermine stability and peace prospects.

The King reaffirmed the need to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting also covered the refugee crisis, its impact on host communities, and the importance of maintaining international support for refugees.

 The need to reach political solutions to regional crises was also highlighted, in order to prevent further displacement and to enable refugees to return to their countries safely and voluntarily.

 For his part, Secretary Cleverly commended Jordan’s efforts in hosting refugees and providing healthcare and education for them, expressing appreciation of the Kingdom’s role in working towards peace in the region.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and British Ambassador to Jordan Bridget Brind attended the meeting.