Jordan’s King Abdullah II expressed his confidence that the upcoming Arab League summit in Jeddah will be a success, expecting that it will “kick off a new phase of Arab work based on a solid foundation of economic cooperation that seeks the interests of all parties.”
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the “priority lies in confronting the political challenges facing our nation,” starting with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and ensuring that an independent Palestinian state is established based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“I am confident that the efforts exerted by my brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will ensure the success of the summit” that will be held on Friday.
He said his confidence is doubled with the developments that have taken place in recent months that have reflected a conviction of the need to strengthen intra-Arab relations based on firm economic cooperation.
“Our countries are confronting a series of challenges that need to be tackled through close and deep cooperation based on mutual benefits,” stated King Abdullah.
He cited problems such as stimulating and developing the economy and providing job opportunities for new generations. He spoke of the need for general reforms and combating corruption.
“There are also the problems of refugees, water, drugs and the environment and improving levels of education and health services,” he remarked.
“Deepening economic cooperation gives hope for the young generations and provides a solid base for stability and prosperity. I am confident that with the readiness to cooperate and with good planning, change can be achieved in the living conditions in this region, which has paid the heavy price of conflicts,” he stressed.
‘Strategic’ relations with Saudi Arabia
Commenting on Jordanian-Saudi relations, King Abdullah said: “The ties with Saudi Arabia are strategic and historic. They are based on cooperation and consultations and the need to achieve stability based on responsible policies related to regional and international affairs.”
“I enjoy excellent relations with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he continued.
“Every Arab is proud when they observe the changes that have been taking place in Saudi Arabia in recent since years since the launch of the reform and development process under Crown Prince Mohammed,” he noted.
“It wouldn’t be exaggeration to say that the current Saudi rise is an inspiration for the region,” King Abdullah told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Modernizing the economy, the use of technology, allowing youth to take part in the modernization process and focusing on culture, the arts and tourism will have a positive impact on the country and its surroundings.”
Moreover, he expressed his happiness with the ties of friendship and cooperation between Crown Prince Mohammed and his Jordanian counterpart Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
“This generation of Arab youth has hopes, aspirations and abilities that will build a better future for our countries,” he remarked. “I hope that we will have a new opportunity for our countries and region where we can mobilize energies in service of a development project and pave the way for prosperity and stability for our peoples.”
