His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday delivered a lecture at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, reiterating that the Kingdom is working with regional and international parties to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria that would end the suffering of the Syrian people and ensure that the conflict does not escalate into a regional war.

Lecturing professors and students at this prestigious and well-renowned college, King Abdullah said Jordan will spare no efforts to end the suffering of the Syrian people.

His Majesty said Jordan was providing for increasing numbers of Syrian refugees at a huge cost, both in fiscal and socio-economic terms, and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility in this regard.

The King also addressed the Middle East peace process and the importance of achieving the two-state solution, noting that safeguarding Jerusalem will remain a priority for the Hashemite family.

With regard to the Arab Spring, His Majesty said it offered an opportunity for Jordan to move forward with reform and expedite democratisation.

The King also met with several Jordanian and Arab students at the Royal College of Defence Studies. Established in 1927, the college is one of the most renowned defence and strategic studies colleges worldwide.