His Majesty King Abdullah II met with members of the accompanying Jordanian media delegation during his royal visit to Washington. During the meeting, which took place after his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, he spoke about the outcomes of the Jordanian-American summit and his discussions with senior U.S. officials. King Abdullah emphasized the importance of informing the Jordanian media representatives about the aspects related to the goals of his visit to the United States, highlighting the deep relationship between the two countries, as well as his long-standing friendship with the U.S. President dating back to his time in the Senate.
Regarding the significance and timing of the visit, the King stated that being the first Arab leader from the Middle East to visit the White House carries important symbolic meanings, affirming that the United States recognizes Jordan's pivotal role and sees it as the best representative for regional issues and a voice of reason. He added that Jordan's arrival in Washington as the first country from the region was not coincidental; it underscores the depth of the relationship that has spanned several decades. He noted his acquaintance with President Biden for about 30 years, since the era of King Hussein.
The King described the visit as one of the most successful trips to the United States, mentioning that the summit was filled with positive messages from President Biden regarding the U.S. readiness to provide all necessary forms of assistance to Jordan, addressing all the files that Jordan wishes to raise. King Abdullah said that President Biden has the most experienced team in foreign policy.
He assured the Jordanian media delegation that the U.S. administration recognizes and values Jordan's role in dealing with crises and is keen to listen to the Jordanian perspective, indicating that the United States trusts the Kingdom and its regional role.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, in response to inquiries from Jordanian journalists, the Jordanian monarch stated that there is a mutual understanding of the necessity to adhere to the two-state solution and to relaunch negotiations between the two sides. He also pointed to the positive steps taken by the U.S. administration toward the Palestinian Authority and in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
In answer to a question about Jordan's relationship with Israel, King Abdullah affirmed that Israel's relationship with the Palestinians, its actions regarding the holy city of Jerusalem, and its commitment to the two-state solution are the most important factors guiding Jordan's approach in dealing with the Israeli government. He stressed that preserving Jordan's supreme interests is always the aim and objective, warning that everyone pays the price when there is aggression against Gaza, adding that Jordan speaks for Palestine and everyone listens.
King Abdullah discussed the regional issues that were addressed during his talks with the U.S. President, noting that Iraqi Prime Minister's visit would follow his trip to Washington. In this context, he highlighted the importance of supporting Iraq's efforts to maintain its security and stability.
In response to a media inquiry regarding the Syrian file, the King stated that Jordan seeks to provide solutions in cooperation with Arab brothers and the international community, adding that the goal is to bring Syria back into the Arab fold. He confirmed that finding solutions to assist Syria will aid the entire region, particularly Jordan.
Referring to his conversation with Biden, King Abdullah warned of the deterioration of conditions in Lebanon in the coming weeks if the situation remains unchanged.
