King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
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King Abdullah II Confirms Jordan’s Support for Iraq in Facing Terror Threat

King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)
King Abdullah II of Jordan during his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari In Amman. (Petra)

King Abdullah II of Jordan said Monday that Jordan and Iraq share the same position in facing terrorism.

The monarch reiterated that Jordan's interest in Iraq lies in its stability and prosperity, which, he said, constitute a pillar for regional security and stability.

He made his remarks while receiving in Amman Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

The meeting at the al-Husseiniya tackled bilateral relations and the latest developments in Iraq, said a royal court statement.

King Abdullah highlighted the "deep and historical relations between Jordan and Iraq,” expressing keenness to continue cooperation on all levels, especially in the economic and trade fields, in a way that serves their joint interests, according to the statement.

He also expressed Jordan’s support for Iraq’s efforts in the war against terrorism.

Moreover, he stressed the need for including all segments of the Iraqi people in the political process, hoping Saturday’s Iraqi parliamentary elections will be a success.

Jaafari, for his part, commended the Kingdom’s “constant stances in supporting the unity, security and stability of Iraq.”

The minister highlighted Iraq’s victories in its war on terrorism, stressing that Jordan, as a contributor to these successes, has the right to be proud of these achievements.

Jaafari had arrived in Jordan on Sunday and he has so far held talks with Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi.

The parties agreed to continue defense and security cooperation to confront ISIS on security, military and ideological levels and to form a joint military committee to control the borders.



Biden: Joseph Aoun is ‘First-Rate Guy’

FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
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Biden: Joseph Aoun is ‘First-Rate Guy’

FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)

US President Joe Biden welcomed the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president on Thursday, saying in a statement that the army chief was the “right leader” for the country.

“President Aoun has my confidence. I believe strongly he is the right leader for this time,” said Biden, adding that Aoun would provide “critical leadership” in overseeing an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

Aoun's election by Lebanese lawmakers ended a more than two-year vacancy and could mark a step towards lifting the country out of financial meltdown.

“We finally have a president,” Biden said later, at the end of a meeting on the response to major wildfires in the US city of Los Angeles.

He said he had spoken to Aoun by phone on Thursday for “20 minutes to half an hour,” describing the Lebanese leader as a “first-rate guy.”

Biden pledged to continue US support for Lebanon’s security forces, and for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction, the White House said in a readout of Biden’s call with Aoun.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Aoun's election “a moment of historic opportunity,” which offered Lebanon a chance to “establish durable peace and stability.”

Aoun, who turned 61 on Friday, faces the difficult task of overseeing the fragile ceasefire with Israel in south Lebanon.

Separately, Biden spoke about the hostage talks between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“We’re making some real progress,” he told reporters at the White House, adding that he had spoken with US negotiators earlier Thursday.

“I know hope springs eternal, but I’m still hopeful that we’ll be able to have a prisoner exchange.”

Biden added: “Hamas is the one getting in the way of that exchange right now, but I think we may be able to get that done. We need to get it done.”