Abbas meets King Abdullah II to discuss peace process

King Abdullah II met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday and discussed the peace process in Palestine, as well as the developments in the region.

The talks, held at Al Husseiniyeh Palace, underlined the importance of an upcoming Arab summit Jordan will host in late March, in which Jerusalem and the Palestinian issue will be top agenda topics.

Through its presidency of the summit, Jordan will seek to restore momentum to the Palestinian cause and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, the King pointed out.

The two leaders also emphasised the need for continued coordination about the next steps to kick-start serious and effective Palestinian-Israeli peace talks based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions.

On efforts to protect Jerusalem and its holy Islamic and Christian shrines, His Majesty said Jordan will work with all regional and international parties to safeguard the historic status quo in Jerusalem and ensure that it will not be undermined.

The two leaders also discussed the need for coordination with the new US administration and congress in the next stage to clarify the repercussions of any decisions that would affect the status quo in Jerusalem and peace in the region.

Abbas updated the King on contacts and efforts made by the Palestinian leadership with the various influential parties in the international community to revive peace talks to achieve an independent Palestinian state that fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian leader lauded Jordan's support for the Palestinians and their just cause at international forums. 

The talks were attended by the prime minister, the Royal Court chief, the King's National Security Adviser, the general intelligence chief, the foreign minister and a delegation accompanying Abbas. 

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abbas described the talks as "important and necessary" for cooperation and coordination with the new US administration to relaunch serious peace negotiations to arrive at a political solution that will positively reflect on the Palestinians and Israelis and the entire region.