Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday received a delegation from the Board of Directors of the EastWest Institute, an independent international research center focusing on building confidence and resolving conflicts in the world.

The meeting focused on the latest developments in the Middle East and Jordan's positions on various issues, especially the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. In this context, His Majesty underlined the need to intensify international efforts to reach a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King emphasized that Jerusalem is the key to achieve peace and stability in the region and has a special status among Muslims and Christians. With regard to the Syrian crisis, King Abdullah reiterated Jordan's support for all efforts aimed at finding a political solution to this crisis within the Geneva process, in a way that preserves the unity of Syria and the cohesion of its people.

The King underlined the importance of maintaining the de-escalation zone in southwestern Syria, which was reached last year following a tripartite agreement between Jordan, the United States and Russia.

The meeting dealt with burdens borne by Jordan as a result of the Syrian refugee crisis and the enormous pressure it places on the Kingdom's already-limited resources.

It also focused on regional and international efforts in the war on terror, within a comprehensive strategy.

The delegation appreciated Jordan's pivotal role in achieving peace, security and stability in the Middle East and the world, valuing the great humanitarian efforts exerted by the Kingdom towards the refugees.

The EastWest Institute is currently holding its Board of Directors meeting in Jordan. It comprises influential personalities from several countries. The delegation is also participating in dialogue sessions on education and regional and global security.

Founded in 1980 in New York, the EastWest Institute (EWI) is an international not-profit, non-partisan "think and do" tank focusing on international conflict resolution through a variety of means.