Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed on Sunday with Jordanian King Abdullah II in Amman the Palestinian situation.
The meeting came as US President Joe Biden prepares to visit the region on July 13 and while Israel prepares for its upcoming elections.
Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting carried a Jordanian affirmation that any political developments in the region would not be at the expense of the Palestinians.
The sources expressed apprehension about the Arab-Israeli rapprochement that ended with an air alliance and ideas about a Middle Eastern NATO.
During his meeting with Abbas, the Jordanian King reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering position towards the Palestinian cause and its support for the Palestinians in fulfilling their just and legitimate rights.
Abdullah assured that Jordan will always stands with the Palestinian people, and that nothing is more important to the Kingdom than the Palestinian cause.
The two officials had discussed at Al Husseiniya Palace in the Jordanian capital the latest political developments, bilateral relations, and issues of mutual concern, a Palestinian statement said.
“Wherever Jordan is present, the Palestinian cause will always be present,” Abbas said, as he reviewed the difficult situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The two sides agreed that the only way to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is through the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abdullah II and Abbas also said that the next step required is to cease unilateral measures to open the way to resuming negotiations in the future.
Jordan is in constant communication with Washington, and is working to have the Palestinian cause at the top of Biden’s agenda during his visit to the region next month, Abdullah II said.
The king will attend a Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan with the US President in Jeddah.
He said Jordan will fully support the rights of the Palestinian people and their cause during the Summit.
Abdullah II reiterated that no progress can be made on regional economic cooperation without making progress in efforts to resolve the Palestinian cause.
Palestinian sources said that during his meeting with the US President next month, Abbas plans to ask for US pressure on Israel to make it stop unilateral actions, push the peace process forward, reopen the US consulate in Jerusalem, reopen the PLO office in Washington, and remove the organization from the terrorism list.
He will also inform Biden that the current situation cannot be tolerated in the absence of a political horizon and international protection for the Palestinian people, warning that he will take actions if Washington remains silent.
Jordan’s King earlier said he would support the creation of a Middle East alliance similar to NATO.
He told CNBC that there is a growing sense in the region that nations facing similar threats need to work together.
