His Majesty King Abdullah and British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday held talks on the latest developments in the Middle East, especially the crisis in Syria and the Middle East peace process.
The talks were part of continuous coordination between Jordan and the UK and also addressed means to boost bilateral cooperation. The UK currently chairs the Group of Eight (G-8) and has taken over the UN Security Council’s rotating presidency.
King Abdullah highlighted the large burdens borne by Jordan in light of the increasing flow of Syrian refugees, saying that the parties need to reach an immediate solution to the Syrian crisis.
His Majesty and Cameron reviewed efforts to end the stalemate in the Middle East peace process and assist Palestinians and Israelis to resume direct negotiations to resolve final status issues that lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Stressing the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries, the King highlighted Jordan’s drive towards reform and its efforts to face economic challenges, mainly those resulting from regional tensions.
Britain’s prime minister asserted his commitment to strengthening the relations between the two countries, expressing appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts to boost regional security and stability, support Middle East peace efforts and lead Jordan’s reform process.
Cameron briefed the King on the outcome of the G-8 summit, which concluded in Northern Ireland on Tuesday and addressed regional and international issues, including the Syrian crisis.
Cameron said Britain will present £50 million in additional assistance to Jordan to help it meet the growing needs of Syrian refugees in the Kingdom.
As the president of the G-8, Cameron said the group’s member states will also provide assistance to Jordan to help it shoulder the increasing burden of hosting Syrian refugees. At the same time, the G-8 will urge the international community to assume its share of responsibility and help refugee host countries.
His Majesty had sent a letter to the British premier as the G-8 met explaining the growing pressure on Jordan as a major host of Syrian refugees, a burden that has exceeded its capacity.
The King met separately with British Foreign Secretary William Hague over regional developments.
His Majesty vowed continued coordination with London and all stakeholders to push the Mideast peace process forward based on the two-state solution, calling on all parties to seize the opportunities made available by the US drive to end the decades-old conflict.
The King and Hague also discussed Syria, re-emphasising the challenges the crisis poses to regional stability.
Hague commended Jordan’s performance as it stands up to face the challenges on all fronts and the country’s reform process.
Also present at both meetings were Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, His Majesty’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury, His Majesty’s Adviser Abdullah Woreikat, Jordan’s Ambassador to London Mazen Hmoud and senior UK officials, including British Ambassador to Jordan Peter Millett.