His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday, discussed with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, the latest developments in the Middle East, especially the Syrian crisis, and international efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

During a meeting in Rome, King Abdullah expressed Jordan’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks carried out by terrorist gangs in the region and the world, stressing that these criminal acts require intensified cooperation and coordination between various international parties and the European Union (EU) to face and address them, within a holistic approach, in the Middle East, Africa and in other parts of the world.

The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from both countries, emphasised the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, in order to preserve the stability of Syria, end the suffering of its people and reduce its regional repercussions.

His Majesty pointed to the huge burden Jordan has to bear, due to hosting 1.4 million Syrians, and the increasing pressure on its limited resources, which requires intensifying the international community’s support for the Kingdom to enable it to continue providing relief and humanitarian services in this area.

The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Libya, and ways to deal with them, in order to preserve the future, the security and stability of its people.

Bilaterally, the King pointed Jordan’s keenness to promote relations of friendship and close cooperation with Italy, especially in light of the advanced partnership between the Kingdom and the EU, and maintain coordination and consultation about the common interests of the two countries.

His Majesty and Renzi also discussed ways of joint cooperation between Jordan and Italy, as well as taking advantage of investment opportunities the Jordanian economy has to offer to investors. They emphasised the importance of facilitating the movement and the flow of goods and stimulate trade between Jordan and the EU, through simplifying rules of origin.

The Italian Prime Minister stressed that his country’s considers the King’s visit as an important opportunity to strengthen strategic relations with Jordan in various joint cooperation frameworks, reiterating its support for the Kingdom, both at the bilateral level, through the EU, or through the international conference to support Syrian refugees, set to be held in London early next year, to strengthen the capacity of hosting countries.

He also expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s leadership and role in achieving peace and strengthen security in the Middle East and the world.

Renzi praised the King’s holistic approach in dealing with various challenges and crises, pointing out, in this context, to the challenge Europe is facing in the fight against terrorist and extremist ideology inside Europe and beyond.