His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks in Brussels with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, who affirmed his country’s keenness as an active EU member to support Jordan’s efforts in pursuit of regional security and stability.

King Abdullah and Prime Minister Michel agreed on the importance of advancing cooperation in various areas, especially political and economic fields.

The strong ties between the two countries were highlighted, extending over nearly 60 years.

The importance of maintaining coordination and consultation over regional and international issues to serve mutual interests and bolster global peace and security was also stressed.

At the talks, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Ghazi and senior officials on both sides, His Majesty expressed appreciation for Belgium’s support for Jordan’s economy.

The King congratulated Prime Minister Michel on the election of Belgium as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, affirming the important role of Belgium within the European Union and the Security Council in dealing with key regional issues and efforts to bolster security and stability.

Talks also covered developments in the Middle East, especially the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

His Majesty stressed the need to step up international efforts to push the peace process forward, based on the two-state solution and leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The challenges facing UNRWA were also discussed, with the King expressing appreciation for the support provided by Belgium to sustain the UN agency’s services.

His Majesty thanked Belgium for providing support to Jordan to mitigate the burden of the Syrian refugee crisis on its economy, stressing the importance of the third Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region next April.

Prime Minister Michel commended Jordan’s efforts as a host of Syrian refugees.

The importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of its people while ensuring the safe return of refugees was stressed.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Trade Minister Tariq Hammouri, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Brussels Yousef Bataineh attended the meeting.