His Majesty King Abdullah, accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, met on Wednesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Al Husseiniya Palace.

Discussions covered current developments related to the Palestinian cause and efforts to relaunch the peace process.

At an expanded meeting that followed a bilateral one, King Abdullah and President Abbas stressed the need to maintain Jordanian-Palestinian coordination and consultations on developments connected to the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem.

His Majesty reaffirmed that Jordan stands with the Palestinians as they seek their legitimate and just rights, noting that the Palestinian cause is the region’s central issue and lies at the core of regional conflict; it is always at the top of Jordan’s foreign policy priorities.

The King stressed that Jordan continues its efforts, in coordination with all the concerned parties, to relaunch Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based on the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, international law, and relevant UN resolution, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty said discussions at the recent meetings with US President Donald Trump, senior US administration officials, and Congress committees focused on Jordan’s steadfast position on the Palestinian cause, which affirms that there can be no peace or stability in the region without a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on the two-state solution.

The King underlined the importance of working with the US administration and the international community to create political horizons in the interest of the Palestinian people and their rights.

His Majesty also reiterated that the subject of Jerusalem must be settled as a final status issue, noting that the holy city is the key to peace in the region.

The King reiterated that Jordan will persist in upholding its historical role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

Discussions at the meeting, which continued over a working lunch, also covered the role of UNRWA and the need for the international community to support it and enable it to continue its vital education, healthcare, and relief services for Palestinian refugees.

An agreement was reached at the meeting to convene the meetings of the Jordanian-Palestinian higher committee, co-chaired by the Jordanian and Palestinian prime ministers, to bolster cooperation and coordination.

President Abbas expressed his appreciation of Jordan’ historical and deep-rooted positions on the Palestinian cause, praising His Majesty’s efforts in defending the rights of the Palestinian people at international forums.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi, and Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas attended the meeting.

On the Palestinian side, Palestine Liberation Organisation Secretary General Saeb Erekat, Fatah central committee member and head of civil affairs Hussein Sheikh, General Intelligence Service Director Majid Faraj, and Palestinian Ambassador to Jordan Atallah Kheiri were in attendance.