His Majesty King Abdullah held talks on Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on the latest regional and international developments and means of bolstering cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

During bilateral and expanded talks at the Élysée Palace, the two leaders stressed the importance of maintaining consultation and coordination on various issues of mutual concern and expanding cooperation in the economic and military fields.

In joint remarks to reporters after the talks, King Abdullah said he was delighted to visit France again and meet with President Macron, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.

His Majesty also congratulated Macron on his election as president of France, expressing hope to work with the French president to boost relations between the two countries and bring about security and stability in the region and the world.

Following are the King’s remarks to the press:

“Merci Monsieur le Président,

I’m truly delighted to be back here in Paris and for the very kind and warm reception extended to me already by you so far and the interesting discussions that we’ve had.

Also, I think it—if you allow me just to express the condolences of myself and, obviously, our delegation and our country, Jordan.

Our relationship with your military and your other institutions has been strong and historic so, in a small way, if I could pass on our condolences to those affected and to show the solidarity that we will always have between our two countries, with a special partnership that we’ve had historically, but I think even more so now as we look at our future challenges, both militarily, politically in our region, so we will always stand by you; Jordan will be always your friend and your ally, and we will always stand together with France.

Obviously, we are keen to develop the strategic partnership, as the President and I have discussed, on all levels. This is not going to be difficult for Jordan and France, because we’ve had excellent relations historically, but there are certain areas where we need to expand our relationship and our goals.

The shared global challenges of today are a collective responsibility for all of us, and the best way to overcome them is through joint action, which we will be discussing as we proceed with these meetings today.

All the challenges that are affecting us—whether it’s the economic challenges or threats of extremism and terrorism—is something that has to bring us together in a focused strategic view, not only for our region, but for the rest of the world.

While these issues are not exclusive to my region, as I mentioned, the absence of inclusive political solutions to regional conflict means sectarian violence and the terrorist threat will continue to fester.

Europe has, obviously, an important role to play—not only in our region, but also, I think, here within the boundaries of Europe, and this is why we put so much attention to the special relationship we have with France.

The challenge that we have is, obviously, rejecting hate speech and Islamophobia. This is key to stopping extremist forces, who like to exploit fear, from achieving their goals.

Our collective efforts should be focused on the common interests and benefits and the potential of a regional solution, and looking at all the crises in our region in a holistic approach.

It is also vital, as you mentioned Sir, that in this context, that we achieve progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and hopefully arrive at a just and lasting solution, based on the two-state solution.

Looking ahead, obviously, the regional turmoil and the impact of the humanitarian refugee crisis is something that is challenging Jordan very strongly. We’ve embarked on our own path to address the resulting social, economic pressures, but in the end, we do look forward to the support of the international community in that.

But, as you mentioned Sir, France is the largest investor in our country; something that we have taken historically in tremendous strength, and there are many opportunities, as you have mentioned, for our private sectors to grow together. Over $2 billion has been spent on investments, as you mentioned—energy, telecom and construction sectors.

This is an opportunity, I hope this year, where we’ll be able to invite the French industries to explore stronger partnerships with Jordan.

But at the end of the day, it is our political relationship, and how we tackle the challenges inside of the Islamic world and in our region in partnership, which will take us forward.

I look forward to the continued discussions tonight, Your Excellency, and, again, thank you very much for the warm hospitality that we’re always shown here, not only by you, Sir, but by the government of France and the people of France.

Thank you very much.”

For his part, Macron said Jordan and France are bound by deep-rooted friendship and cooperation, recalling his visit to French troops stationed in Jordan as part of the international anti-terror coalition when he was a presidential candidate.

He said talks with His Majesty covered issues of mutual concern, including bilateral ties and regional developments, noting that the two countries share the same vision on the challenges currently facing the Near East and the need for strategic dialogue over such issues.

Outlining the topics discussed, Macron highlighted the fight against terrorism and extremism. He praised Jordan for its resilience in a turbulent region, commending the Kingdom’s role in the fight against terrorism.

He also noted Jordan’s pivotal regional role as a neighbour of Syria and host of a large number of refugees, voicing Paris’ solidarity with Jordan as it seeks to ensure stability in southern Syria.

The president stressed his commitment to utilising diplomacy to restore stability in Syria and ensure an inclusive solution to the crisis.

He said France is intensively engaged in the region through its active diplomacy and dialogue with key players, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

On the other hand, Macron said, the French Development Agency is helping Jordan shoulder the burden of hosting refugees.

Turning to the Middle East conflict, he said France and Jordan are concerned about the escalating violence on the ground and are determined to maintain the status quo of the holy city of Jerusalem.

The two countries agree, he added, that efforts should continue to create an environment conducive to relaunching the peace process.

At the bilateral level, the French president underlined his country’s status as the largest foreign investor in the Kingdom, voicing hope that French companies would increase their engagement in Jordan’s investment environment, citing the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project as a major project supported by Paris.

The King’s discussions with Macron addressed the latest regional developments, mainly the peace process and the Syrian crisis, with the two countries stressing the need to support efforts seeking peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the two-state solution.

They also reiterated the importance of reaching political solutions to regional crises, restoring security and stability for the region’s peoples.

The two leaders discussed regional and international efforts to fight the global threat of terrorism within a holistic strategy.

Moreover, talks touched on the burdens Jordan is shouldering as a result of the Syrian refugee influx and its pressure on the Kingdom’s economy, with the two countries stressing the need for donors to honour their pledges to Jordan and other host countries.

His Majesty expressed his appreciation for France’s economic assistance to help Jordan deal with the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx, and implement development programmes in vital sectors.

The King called for increasing French and European investments in Jordan to benefit from the rules of origin agreement between the Kingdom and the EU.

On the Syrian crisis, His Majesty and Macron agreed on the importance of reaching a political solution to the crisis in a way that guarantees the territorial integrity of Syria and the security of its people.

For his part, Macron stressed his country’s readiness to help Jordan and its private sector, and open markets to Jordanian products, expressing France’s support for the Kingdom’s economic reforms.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Jordan’s Ambassador to France Makram Queisi attended the talks from the Jordanian side.

On the French side, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Chief of the Military Staff of the President of the Republic Admiral Bernard Rogel, and French Ambassador to Jordan David Bertolotti.

The French president held an official banquet in honour of the King and the accompanying delegation, attended by senior officials from the two countries.

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein had been sworn in as Regent in the presence of members of the Cabinet.