His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday started a series of meetings with members and leaders of the US Congress from the two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

King Abdullah’s first meeting was with members and Chairwoman of the House of Representatives; Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Kay Granger. The meeting tackled developments in the Middle East region and the war against terrorism which has become a global threat.

The King emphasised the importance of bringing the followers of the different religions together, at this important time, to counter the threat of terrorism, which does not exclude anyone. They also discussed ways to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis, especially in light of the Vienna meetings.

The meeting dealt with economic challenges facing the Kingdom, and ways through which the US can help the Kingdom to overcome these challenges. His Majesty referred to a forthcoming international conference in London on the Syrian refugee crisis in the region in general and in Jordan in particular.

In this context, the King thanked the US for the support it extends to Jordan to help it grapple with the Syrian refugee crisis. His Majesty underlined the Subcommittee’s role in increasing US assistance to Jordan.

Granger and members of the committee voiced appreciation of Jordan’s efforts to resolve regional challenges and thanked the King for maintaining constant contact with US Congress committees.

She pledged to support Jordan to help it overcome economic hardships arising from a massive number of Syrian refugees the Kingdom hosts. She told the Jordan News Agency Petra that the Syrian refugee crisis remains at the top of their priority, especially as Jordan received the largest number of Syrians fleeing the war in their country.