In an interview with the Qatari Al Sharq Arabic daily’s Chief Editor Jaber Harmi, published on Monday, His Majesty King Abdullah voiced hope that “the Doha summit would be a positive turn towards setting up mechanisms for serious and real joint Arab efforts to address urgent challenges.”

The exceptional and unprecedented circumstances that the Arab and Islamic nations are witnessing require intensified joint efforts and cooperation among Arab countries to reduce their negative effects and consequences on strategic interests, King Abdullah said.

Regarding the situation in Syria, the King called for a political and peaceful transitional process that safeguards the unity and sovereignty of Syria, its land and people, and prevents it from drifting towards the abyss.

“The consequences of the Syrian crisis have added huge burdens on neighbouring countries, on us in Jordan and other neighbours, as a result of the influx of a large number of refugees. There are around half-a-million Syrian refugees in Jordan and the number is expected to reach one million by the end of the year,” His Majesty said.

In reply to a question on peace efforts, the King said: “Resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict is the key to solving the other problems facing the Middle East.”

“Otherwise, tension and instability will continue to plague the entire region and force us into a dark tunnel and an arms race at the expense of development and a promising future for the region’s generations.

“Let us bear in mind that the absence of justice, the stalemate in the peace process and loss of hope are the major reasons for exacerbating tension and violence in the Middle East.”