His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan on Friday met separately in Washington with US Secretary of Defence James Mattis and US National Security Adviser John Bolton, and discussed ways to advance Jordanian-US ties, in addition to current developments in the Middle East.
Discussions covered military and defence cooperation between the two countries and means to enhance coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern, with the aim of achieving security and stability in the region, according to Petra news agency.
The importance of preserving stability and calm in the de-escalation zone in southwestern Syria was discussed at the two meetings.
The meetings also addressed the role of UNRWA in providing education, health, and relief services for Palestinian refugees, and the need to support the UN agency to continue its humanitarian role.
Moreover, discussions tackled a number of regional issues and crises, and efforts to resolve them through political solutions, as well as efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach and Jordanian-US cooperation in this regard.
His Majesty King Abdullah also discussed Jordan’s strategic partnership with the United States, and regional and international developments during a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
During the meeting, held at the State Department on Friday, discussions underlined the importance of the historical ties of friendship between Jordan and the United States, and the commitment to advancing them in various fields while maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.
The meeting also covered efforts to move the peace process forward.
King Abdullah stressed the importance of stepping up efforts to relaunch serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on the two-state solution, and leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Discussions also addressed the need to support of UNRWA to enable it to continue its education, health, and relief services for Palestinian refugees.
The importance of supporting efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis through the Geneva process was also discussed, in addition to the need to preserve the de-escalation zone in southwestern Syria, which was secured through a trilateral Jordanian-US-Russian agreement.
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States Dina Kawar attended the meeting.
Secretary Pompeo hosted a luncheon in honor of His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.
