King Abdullah called for devising a comprehensive strategy to renounce all forms of terrorism and extremism and intensify international and regional efforts to address this threat.
On peacemaking efforts in the region, the King emphasized the need for a concerted international action to set the ground for the resumption of peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to ultimately bring about the two-state solution.
With regards to the war raging in Syria, the King renewed Jordan's call for finding a comprehensive political solution to crisis to end the suffering of the Syrian people.
King Abdullah, who is making his third Canadian visit since his ascension to the throne in February 1999, said: “Your presence in our part of the world is more important now than ever. We see you, not only in our country, but in the region, there to do the right thing, to help people, to better their lives.”
Jordan and Canada are among the coalition allies conducting bombing missions against Islamic State, or ISIS, targets inside Syria.
The King thanked Canada for its humanitarian assistance as his tiny desert kingdom manages a massive influx of Syrian refugees. Jordan has absorbed 1.5 million Syrians fleeing the civil war in their country, which the King said amounts to 20 to 25% of his country's entire population.
Harper visited Jordan in January 2014 and pledged $105 million in aid to help the country cope with the rush of Syrian refugees.
The Prime Minister and the King held their own meeting at Harper's Parliament Hill office. Following the meeting, Harper announced more than $120 million in assistance for Jordan.
The announcement includes millions to tighten the country's border against efforts to move nuclear materials across it, and to enhance Jordan's security against biological and chemical agents.
Canadian will also contribute $4.5 million help keep ISIS terrorism from spilling into the Kingdom. The package also includes $97.8 million for a series of development projects, including money for education, water projects and a series of steps to encourage entrepreneurship among Jordanian women.
Defense Minister Jason Kenney, Trade Minister Ed Fast and Labor Minister Kellie Leitch were also on hand to meet the King, who was welcomed with a full honor guard.
Source: PETRA; The Canadian Press
