His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, members of the European Parliament, members of the Friends of Jordan Group in the European Parliament and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland.

Talks focused on means to enhance ties between the Kingdom and the EU, changes witnessed in some Arab countries and other issues of mutual concern.

King Abdullah voiced appreciation for EU support to Jordan to achieve comprehensive reform and implement economic and development programmes. He stressed the important role played by the European Parliament in bringing people together, promoting a culture of peace and overcoming the difficult economic conditions facing people in the Middle East.

Regarding regional developments, His Majesty commended the important role played by the EU in pushing peace efforts forward and helping Palestinians and Israelis return to the negotiating table to arrive at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

During a working lunch, European parliamentarians expressed appreciation for Jordan’s reform endeavour and its efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.