His Majesty King abdullah II meets with US Congressional Delegation

(Royal Hashemite Court, Media & Communication Directorate - Amman) Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Monday met with a delegation of US congressional aides and reviewed the situation in the Middle East, efforts to push the peace process forward and bilateral cooperation.  

King Abdullah underlined the significance of a just and permanent peace settlement to the Middle East conflict, saying the region will continue to suffer from tension and instability as long as such a solution is not reached. 

The King also emphasised the importance of continued support and assistance by the international community to the Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas, to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians. 

At the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Bassem Awadallah and US Ambassador in Amman David Hale, King Abdullah reviewed Jordan's efforts to realise tangible progress in the peace process, especially before the end of the current US administration's term. 

The King also emphasised that Israel should take steps to improve the living conditions of the Palestinians to render the negotiations between the two sides a success. 

In addition, the King reviewed the harsh economic challenges facing Jordan as a result of skyrocketing oil prices and the impact of such a situation on the Kingdom's development plans and projects in various fields. 

On Iraq, King Abdullah said Jordan supports the Iraqi government's efforts to enforce law and order all over the country, saying there are positive signs in this regard. 

Discussions also covered means to enhance Jordan-US ties. 

King Abdullah stressed the importance of the US assistance to the Kingdom, noting that Jordan is looking forward to more cooperation with the US, especially in the field of alternative energy resource development.