His Majesty King Abdullah earlier on Wednesday met with committee members at the British House of Lords and House of Commons for talks on the latest developments in the Middle East, mainly the Syrian crisis and efforts to achieve peace.

King Abdullah reiterated Jordan’s stance on the Syrian crisis and spoke about its repercussions on the security and stability of the entire Middle East. The King underlined the need for a political and transitional solution that would put an end to the escalating violence, bloodshed and the suffering of the Syrian people.

His Majesty thanked the United Kingdom for supporting Jordan in shouldering its humanitarian responsibility towards the Syrian refugees.

The King briefed British lawmakers on the latest efforts to achieve peace and end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution. His Majesty highlighted Britain’s key role in intensifying international efforts to breathe new life into the peace process.

Jordan, the King affirmed, will continue its efforts, along with all concerned parties, to encourage Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiating table and address all final status issues, leading to the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital — a sovereign state that lives side-by-side with Israel in peace and security.

His Majesty also discussed the Arab Peace Initiative, reiterating that it constituted a historical opportunity to achieve comprehensive peace.

On bilateral ties, the King said Jordan and Britain enjoyed deep historical ties, pointing to the huge potential to build on these ties, especially in  terms of strengthening parliamentary and legislative cooperation.

His Majesty spoke about the strides that Jordan has made with the reform process to develop democratic and partisan life and grass roots participation in decision-making. He also spoke about the economic reform programme and efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

The British lawmakers voiced appreciation for the King’s efforts to enhance security and stability within the Kingdom as well as in the Middle East. They also reiterated their country’s desire to boost cooperation with Jordan and to help it overcome the challenges posed by hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.