Washington:
US President Joe Biden held Oval Office talks on Monday with Jordan’s King Abdullah, a crucial US ally in a volatile area, in the initial of 3 face-to-face meetings anticipated quickly with Middle East leaders.
Abdullah, who faced down a challenge to his authority in April from his half-brother, Prince Hamza, met Biden for the initial time given that the US president took workplace in January. Biden referred to as the king a “good, loyal, decent friend.”
“You’ve always been there, and we will always be there for Jordan,” Biden told reporters throughout a image-taking session. He stated he wanted to hear about developments in the Middle East from the king.
“You live in a tough neighborhood,” he stated.
Abdullah stated his area has numerous challenges. “You can always count on me, my country and many of our colleagues in the region,” he told Biden.
In the meeting, Biden announced the delivery of more than 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Jordan and the two leaders discussed the US-Jordan defense relationship and Syria’s humanitarian crisis, the White House stated in a statement.
“President Biden commended the important role Jordan plays in the wider stability of the region,” it stated
They also discussed Middle East peace efforts and Biden voiced his help for a two-state option to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Jordan’s engagement with the new Israeli government, the White House stated.
Tensions stay higher following the 11-day war in May in between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.
Abdullah plays a exclusive function in the Middle East, seen by US officials as a moderate and pragmatic leader who can play a mediating function.
He is the initial Middle East leader to pay a visit to the Biden White House, to be followed on July 26 by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. US and Israeli officials are working on scheduling a meeting quickly in between Biden and new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who not too long ago replaced Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jordan’s image as an island of stability in the turbulent Middle East was referred to as into query immediately after Prince Hamza was accused of a plot to destabilize the nation in April.
Biden has presented complete help to Abdullah, who was joined at the White House by his wife, Queen Rania.
Abdullah will have a working breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday at the vice president’s residence. He will also meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department.
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