King discusses Syria, Palestine with European officials

25 June 2013
Amman , Jordan

His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday discussed regional issues with Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino and European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva.

While discussing the Syrian conflict and its consequences on the wider region, King Abdullah underlined that despite its limited resources, Jordan is shouldering “huge burdens” as a result of the influx of Syrian refugees.

His Majesty called on the international community to assist Jordan in coping with the refugee crisis.

Reiterating that Jordan supports a transitional political solution to the crisis, the King underlined the importance of ending the suffering of the Syrian people.

During the meeting, His Majesty stressed the significance of the European role in furthering efforts to bring the Palestinians and the Israelis to the negotiating table on the basis of the two-state solution, as it is the only formula to resolve the conflict and achieve security and stability in the region.

The peace talks should ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil, the King said, warning against Israel’s unilateral measures in the holy sites of East Jerusalem and the continued settlement activity.

These continuous violations weaken chances of reviving the peace process, His Majesty said.

Both Bonino and Georgieva expressed appreciation for the King’s efforts to achieve peace in the turbulent Middle East and his leadership over the country’s reform process, voicing commitment to coordinating with all European states and international organisations to help Jordan sustain its humanitarian assistance to refugees.

The UN estimates that 6.8 million people are affected by the ongoing violence in Syria, with approximately 4.25 million internally displaced.