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King Abdullah II Meets with U.S. President | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Trump meets King Abdullah II in Washington/ AFP


Washington- U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday met with Jordanian King Abdullah II, marking the first visit by an Arab leader since the new administration took over in January.

Their meeting in Washington came a week after Trump held talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, the first world leader to visit the new commander-in-chief.

A statement issued by the Jordanian Royal Palace said the two leaders underlined the importance of boosting the strategic ties between the two countries and working together to fight terrorism.

King Abdullah and Trump agreed on the importance of providing security and safety to the Syrian people, and to breathe life into the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The King and the U.S. president also agreed to hold a summit in the near future, during the King’s next visit to the U.S.

In Washington, King Abdullah II also met with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn with whom he discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the new U.S. strategy to fight terrorism.

On Wednesday, the king held two separate meetings with leaders and members of the U.S. Congress and the chairpersons and members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ foreign affairs committee.

During the meetings, attended by Queen Rania, the King reiterated that the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would have regional consequences that would undermine the opportunities for peace and reaching a two-state solution. He also said this move would weaken the chances of a success in the war against terrorism.

The White House also issued a statement on Thursday saying Trump conveyed the U.S. commitment to Jordan’s stability, security, and prosperity.

The U.S. President thanked the King for his leadership in promoting peace and stability in the region and highlighted Jordan’s critical contributions to defeating ISIS and discussed the possibility of establishing safe zones in Syria.

“President Trump underscored that the United States is committed to strengthening the security and economic partnership with Jordan,” the statement added.