King, PACE Rapporteur discuss ties, region

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday, welcomed Rapporteur for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Josette Durrieu, and discussed partnership between Jordan, France and the European Union, as well as regional developments.

The meeting, held at the Al Husseiniya Palace, the King spoke about Jordan’s comprehensive reform, especially in the political and economic fields and endeavors to improve the judiciary.

Both sides spoke about the municipal and governorates’ councils elections in Jordan due in mid-August, which aim to promote public participation in the decision-making process and identify developmental and service priorities in their areas.

Moreover, the meeting touched on efforts to push the peace process forward through re-launching serious and effective negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis, based on the-two state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions.

The King and the EU official also reviewed efforts to realize a political solution to the crisis in Syria, which safeguards its unity and the cohesion of the Syrian people.

They also spoke about regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a comprehensive strategy.

King Abdullah and Durrieu addressed the repercussions of the Syrian refugees on Jordan and the importance for the international community to shoulder its responsibility towards host countries, mainly Jordan to enable it to continue providing humanitarian and relief services to the Syrian refugees.

For her part, the EU official commended reforms carried out by Jordan to promote democracy and achieve inclusive development.

She expressed appreciation of her country and the EU for Jordan’s pivotal role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, in dealing with regional crises and for its efforts to realize peace and security in the region.