His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, within the framework of continuing coordination and consultation between the two sides.

King Abdullah reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause is the central issue in the region and a top priority for Jordan.

In this context, His Majesty reaffirmed that Jordan stands with the Palestinians as they seek their legitimate and just rights to an independent state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King highlighted the importance of preserving the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem, stressing Jordan’s commitment to its historic and religious role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city under the Hashemite Custodianship.

During the meeting, the importance of stepping up international efforts to achieve just and lasting peace and end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was also stressed.

President Abbas expressed appreciation for Jordan's historic positions on the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and for His Majesty's efforts in defending the rights of the Palestinian people at all international forums.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Khasawneh, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting on the Jordanian side.

On the Palestinian side, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, 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.