His Majesty King Abdullah met on Sunday with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

During the meeting, King Abdullah stressed that Jordan seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with the European Union, which has been developing under an association agreement established 10 years ago.

The King highlighted key opportunities to strengthen ties between Jordan and the EU, such as the 10th EU-Jordan Association Council meeting in Luxembourg slated for this month, citing Jordan’s co-presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean along with the EU as another sign of a strong partnership.

The King outlined the comprehensive reform process being carried out by Jordan.

His Majesty noted that the roadmap for comprehensive reform in the Kingdom is clear as the final countdown for the parliamentary polls has started and Parliament has been dissolved.

His Majesty referred to the appointment of members of the Constitutional Court as a historic event on the path towards comprehensive reform, voicing appreciation for the EU’s support to Jordan in various fields.

The King noted that Jordan seeks to develop partisan life in the country in order to have parties with clear programmes that deal with vital national issues including education, health, poverty and unemployment.

His Majesty also reiterated the need to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis to end bloodshed in the country and maintain the unity of its people.

His Majesty outlined Jordan’s efforts to provide humanitarian services to Syrian refugees, whose number has exceeded 200,000, despite the country’s limited resources.

The King called on the international community, including the EU, to increase their support to Jordan to enable it to carry out its duties towards Syrian refugees.

The King and Barroso also discussed developments related to the peace process.

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, His Majesty’s Office Director Imad Fakhoury, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Jafar Hassan, Jordan Ambassador to Brussels Montaser Oklah and Barroso's accompanying delegation attended the meeting.