News

King holds talks with British PM

1 March 2017

His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with UK Prime Minister Theresa May over the latest regional and international developments and ways to strengthen the historic bilateral relations in various fields.

During the meeting, held at 10 Downing Street, the two leaders discussed cooperation between Jordan and the UK in political, economic and military fields.

King Abdullah said the relationship is not only strong but it is also improving every year politically, militarily and security wise in spite of all the challenges the region is witnessing.

The King added that the two countries share identical stances and recognise the regional and international challenges, expressing keenness on exchanging thoughts with the British premier on how to achieve peace in the Middle East.

For her part, May stressed the historic relations in various fields, adding that the two countries have mutual interests, especially regarding security and economic development.

She said that it was the first opportunity for her to hold bilateral talks in London that would cover many subjects of mutual interest.

In their talks, His Majesty and May affirmed the need to maintain coordination on various issues of mutual concern, especially on crises in the Middle East. The King also stressed the important role of the UK in that context.

Discussions also addressed regional and international anti-terrorism efforts within a holistic strategy to safeguard global peace and security.

His Majesty and the British prime minister also discussed the Middle East peace process. The King called for intensifying efforts to push peace efforts forward with the goal of launching serious and effective talks between the Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution, which, they agreed, is the only way to end the conflict.

His Majesty noted that any options that are not based on the two-state solution and other international terms of reference would have grave consequences on the region’s security and stability.

Discussions also covered the latest developments in Syria. The King called for building on ongoing international efforts to maintain the ceasefire, paving the way for a political solution through the current negotiations in Geneva.

Moreover, talks touched on the need to bolster efforts to establish security and stability in Iraq, Yemen and Libya.

Addressing the economic burdens Jordan is shouldering due to the Syrian refugee crisis, His Majesty called for following up on the outcomes of the London donor conference held last year to ensure that donors honour their pledges to support Jordan and other refugee host countries.

The King voiced his appreciation of UK’s support for Jordan to help it ease the repercussions of the Syrian refugee burden and the pressures on the national economy. Meanwhile, he said, such assistance enables the country to continue the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to refugees.

For her part, May said London was keen on advancing partnership with Jordan in all fields, with focus on economic cooperation, thanking Amman for its contribution to efforts aimed at bringing about security and stability in the region.

She said her country is committed to continued support for Jordan as it rises to overcome present challenges ensuing from the regional crises, vowing to press the international community to honour its obligations towards the Kingdom as a refugee host.