His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday examined ways to further develop Jordanian-EU relations and briefed European officials on Jordan’s position regarding various regional issues.
The talks were part of a two-day visit by King Abdullah to Belgium.
In a meeting with EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine Ashton, the two sides stressed their joint commitment to strengthening the partnership between Jordan and the Europe.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation of the EU support for Jordan, stressing its importance in facilitating the implementation of the country’s reform and development programmes.
Talks also addressed Middle East efforts and ways to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and establish an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, in accordance with the two-state solution.
The King highlighted the EU’s “important role” in backing Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.
His Majesty said Jordan calls for arriving at a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian conflict that safeguards the unity and sovereignty of the neighbouring country and eliminates the dangerous repercussions of the crisis on the region.
The King highlighted the increasing economic burdens borne by the Kingdom, which exceed its limited capabilities, due to hosting a great number of Syrian refugees, noting that the international community should play a larger role in supporting Jordan.
Ashton lauded His Majesty’s vision for reform and his continued efforts to achieve peace in the region, underscoring the EU’s keenness on maintaining coordination and consultation with the Kingdom to strengthen the partnership between the two sides and support endeavours to achieve regional peace, stability and security.
She also expressed the EU’s appreciation of the Kingdom for hosting and assisting Syrian refugees, stressing the EU’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom to help it pursue its humanitarian mission in this regard.
During a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, talks focused on ways to increase cooperation.
The King proposed that a delegation comprising Belgian economists and investors visit the country soon to learn about investment opportunities and chances to reach other markets through Jordan, which His Majesty described as a gateway to the rest of the region.
To further boost economic cooperation, the King noted that Jordan was looking forward to convening a forum in Belgium next year that focuses on boosting economic and investment relations and promoting the tourism industry in the two countries.
During a visit to the European Parliament, His Majesty met with its President Martin Schulz and heads of its political committees, reviewing bilateral relations and urgent Arab causes.
The King underscored the role of the European Parliament in drawing the views of the countries of the Middle East and the EU nearer through encouraging dialogue and opening channels for cooperation and consultation vis-à-vis regional issues.
At the meeting, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh highlighted the reform process in the country and the role of the legislative authority.