Israeli PM makes unannounced visit to Jordan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to Jordan on Thursday, where he met with Jordan's leader, King Abdullah II, the state-run Petra news agency reported. The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis that are brokered by the United States. The king's meeting with Netanyahu follows his recent meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. His meeting with Netanyahu is part of Jordan's attempt to coordinate with all parties involved in the peace talks to ensure Palestinian rights, protect its interests and influence important issues particularly, the draft agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994. However, tensions have remained between the two countries, with Jordan repeatedly criticizing Israel over thorny issues such as violations against al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and Israel's treatment of the Palestinians.