King warns of escalation in Gaza during meeting with Pompeo

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah met on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington, DC, and discussed bilateral ties and current regional developments.

The meeting addressed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, as well as means to expand cooperation in various fields, a Royal Court statement said.

Discussions also covered the developments in Gaza, with King Abdullah stressing the need to end the aggression on the strip and protecting the Palestinian people.

His Majesty warned that this escalation would lead to further tensions in the region.

The King reaffirmed the importance of relaunching negotiations between the two sides based on the two-state solution, and leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, the statement added.

A number of issues and crises in the region were also discussed, particularly the developments in the Syrian crisis and efforts to reach a political solution.

The meeting covered regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Dina Kawar attended the meeting.

His Majesty also met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and discussed developments in the Middle East.

Discussions also covered the peace process, with King Abdullah stressing the need to reach a just and lasting peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The importance of maintaining support for UNRWA was also stressed, in order to sustain its relief, education and health services, according to the statement.

Moreover, the meeting addressed the Syrian crisis and the importance of reaching a political solution that safeguards Syria’s territorial integrity and the unity of its people.

The repercussions of the Syrian refugee crisis on Jordan were also discussed in the meeting, attended by Safadi, Dabbas, Kawar and Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Sima Bahous.

Secretary General Guterres voiced appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts in pursuit of peace and bolstering security and stability in the region, congratulating the King on receiving the 2018 Templeton Prize.

Also on Tuesday, the King met with World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and discussed opportunities for further cooperation in a number of vital sectors.

Discussions focused on cooperation in supporting Jordan’s development plans to achieve economic growth and create job opportunities for youths by increasing international investments, providing concessional financing, improving the business environment and enhancing the competiveness of sectors that bolster economic growth, according to another Royal Court statement.

President Kim affirmed that the World Bank Group supports Jordan and utilises its capabilities to support the Kingdom’s economy.

Safadi, Dabbas and Kawar attended this meeting as well, in addition to Adviser to His Majesty for Economic Affairs Mohammad Eses.

The World Bank Group’s partnership with Jordan encompasses various sectors, such as infrastructure, investments education, bolstering the business environment and helping the Kingdom cope with the implications of the Syrian refugee crisis.

HRH Prince Raad was sworn in as Regent on Tuesday, in the presence of the Council of Ministers.