His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton for talks on efforts to develop bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to improve institutional cooperation as part of the Partnership Agreement signed between Jordan and the EU 10 years ago.

King Abdullah commended the EU’s continuous support for the Kingdom’s plans and programmes to reach sustainable development at all levels, which the King said is based on the “advanced status” which Jordan enjoys in its relationship with the Union.

His Majesty briefed Ashton on Jordan’s comprehensive reform process.

Regarding the Syrian crisis, His Majesty reiterated the Kingdom’s support for a political solution that would preserve the unity of Syria, highlighting the sizeable burden on Jordan as it struggles to provide the necessary humanitarian services to Syrian refugees.

The King and Ashton also discussed efforts to revive the Middle East peace process and the need for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that would address final status issues and lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.

The EU official, who is currently on a visit to the Kingdom as part of a regional tour, pledged the Union’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom in its efforts to serve Syrian refugees.