King meets British lawmakers

Amman
11 December 2014

His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday received a delegation from the UK House of Commons Defence Committee and reviewed Jordanian-British ties and means to develop them in various spheres.

Discussions focused on international efforts to confront terrorism, which threatens the security of the Middle East and its peoples. Unified Arab-Muslim coordination is also required to counter terrorism, participants at the meeting agreed.

King Abdullah reaffirmed that Islam is based on moderation and tolerance, but there are some terrorist groups that try to exploit religion to achieve their extremist and radical goals.

Islam, the King said, is completely unrelated to such ideologies.

Reviewing aspects of cooperation between the two countries, especially in military and defence, His Majesty expressed his appreciation of Britain’s support to Jordan.

Regarding efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the King stressed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, noting that it is the core and essence of the conflict in the region.

If no comprehensive, just solution to the Palestinian issue is reached, radical ideologies will continue to spread, His Majesty said.

At the meeting, which came after a visit by the British delegation to Iraq, the King stressed the need to support its neighbouring countries confront its various challenges, mainly in combating terrorist groups and assisting in efforts to boost security and stability.

The two sides reviewed the latest developments related to the crisis in Syria and the increasing pressures on the Kingdom’s already limited resources.

The lawmakers praised Jordan’s efforts to entrench regional security and stability.

His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, His Majesty’s Office Director Jafar Hassan and British Ambassador to Jordan Peter Millett attended the meeting.