His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday held talks in the Belgian capital Brussels, with King Philippe that focused on means to boost the friendship and historic ties between the two kingdoms as well as the latest regional and international developments.

 

During the talks which continued over a lunch banquet that was attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, the two leaders voiced their keenness to strengthen bilateral ties, mainly in the economic and investment fields.

 

The talks, attended by senior officials from both countries, also dealt with the strategic ties between Jordan and Belgium.

 

King Abdullah voiced appreciation of Belgium’s role within the EU to support Jordan’s development process and help it achieve its objectives and carry out plans.

 

Discussions during the meeting also dealt with regional and international issues, mainly the war on terrorism, the repercussions of the Syrian crisis and efforts to achieve peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

 

The Belgian King welcomed the visit of King Abdullah and Queen Rania to Belgium that reflects keenness of the two leaderships to enhance ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various domains.

 

He also voiced his country’s willingness to set up strategic partnerships with Jordan and help the Kingdom address various challenges that resulted from regional crises.

 

Upon arrival at the Royal palace, King Abdullah and Queen Rania were received by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The King and the Queen received an official welcome as a military band played the national anthem of both Jordan and Belgium.

 

King Philippe bestowed upon Their Majesties the Order of Leopold while His Majesty bestowed upon the Belgian Monarch the Al Hussein bin Ali Medal and upon Queen Mathilde the Order of Al Nahda of the First Class.

 

Also in Brussels, the King and the Queen visited the Unknown Soldier monument where they laid a wreath on the monument.

 

His Majesty also met with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel for talks on bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East and the world.

 

The King voiced Jordan’s keenness to strengthen relations with Belgium in the interest of both countries and peoples.

 

They also discussed means to enhance the economic and investment opportunities in the two countries as well as trade ties between the two countries.

 

Discussions during the meeting also touched on challenges facing the Middle East and means to address them to preserve the security and stability of the region.

 

During the meeting, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s stance in dealing with terrorism within a holistic approach as well as fighting terror organisations.

 

The discussions dealt with the Syrian crisis and means to find a political solution to it to end violence in the country.

 

The Belgian prime minister stressed his country’s keenness to boost relations with Jordan to achieve the interests of both countries. He also expressed appreciation of the King’s efforts in addressing regional challenges.

 

During the meeting, an announcement was made to exempt Jordan from its military debts to Belgium in appreciation of the Kingdom’s role in preserving security and stability in the region and the world.