US representative attends Arab summit

AMMAN — US Special Representative for International Negotiations Jason Greenblatt attended the 28th Arab summit at the Dead Sea on Wednesday at the invitation of Jordan, the US embassy said.  

As an observer at the summit, Greenblatt did not endorse the speeches given or resolutions approved by the assembled Arab League member states, a statement from the embassy said.

Rather, he listened to their views and ideas, and held a round of bilateral meetings with Arab leaders and other foreign delegations to discuss US perspectives and policies. 

"The dialogue at the meetings was open, frank, and helpful," the embassy said.

In his meetings, Greenblatt focused on how tangible progress could be made towards advancing Middle East peace, including a comprehensive agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis. 

He reaffirmed US President Donald Trump's "personal interest" in achieving a peace deal between the Palestinians and the Israelis and his belief that such a peace agreement is not only possible, but would reverberate positively throughout the region and the world, the statement said. 

The envoy welcomed hearing the perspectives of Arab leaders on Palestinian-Israeli issues and highlighted the important role regional partners can play in the pursuit of peace

Greenblatt made clear that "he was not in the region to impose ideas or peace plans on others", according to the embassy.

The official plans to continue his discussions with regional partners who offered their assistance, benefitting from their advice on how to move towards a more peaceful future, and relying on their support and partnership, the statement concluded.