His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday underscored the importance of the country’s relations with the EU, stressing his commitment to strengthening them, especially in the political and economic fields.

During a meeting with EU ambassadors to Jordan, King Abdullah lauded the EU’s continued support for Jordan’s plans to achieve reform and sustainable development.

His Majesty highlighted the many opportunities available to the two sides to serve the best interests of Jordan and the EU.

The King highlighted steps taken as part of Jordan’s comprehensive reform process, pointing out that the upcoming parliamentary elections on January 23 will be the cornerstone for the coming stage of political reform.

In this context, His Majesty asserted that the polls, which will be supervised by the Independent Elections Commission, will observe international standards of integrity and transparency, and will be conducted in the presence of international monitors, including a mission from the EU.

The meeting also dealt with developments related to the Middle East peace process. The King said political transformations in the region and people’s aspirations no longer allow for any postponements or failures to arrive at a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

His Majesty stressed the importance of the EU role and other international powers in supporting the peace process and rebuilding mutual confidence between the Palestinians and Israelis to pave the way for a return to negotiations on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with a clear time-frame.

In this regard, the King asserted that Jordan is continuing its efforts, in cooperation with all concerned parties, to launch direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis that deal with all final status issues and lead to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Talks also addressed other regional developments, with the King re-asserting Jordan’s support for efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis that guarantees the unity of the Syrian people, the territorial integrity of Syria and puts an end to the bloodshed there.

His Majesty commended efforts by EU countries and the European Commission to provide assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan.

The EU ambassadors expressed appreciation for Jordan’s reform measures. They also commended the King’s continued work to achieve peace and stability in the region.

The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Riyad Abu Karaki, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, His Majesty’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan.