Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday met with ambassadors of the European Union members countries and stressed the need to cement ties with the bloc in various domains, especially in economic and political spheres.

King Abdullah hailed the continued support of the Union to programs and plans Jordan is working to implement in order to achieve reform and sustainable development in all fields.

He also underlined opportunities and prospects available to build on the close partnership and cooperation with EU countries in order to serve common interests of both sides.

His Majesty highlighted a package of comprehensive reforms Jordan has recently carried out, pointing out that the upcoming parliamentary elections, slated for January 23rd, will serve as the foundation stone for the next stage of the political reform process and will strengthen democratic approach. Active parliamentary governments will follow the elections, the King said.

His Majesty stressed that the elections, which will be held under the oversight of the Independent Election Commission, will be conducted according to the highest international standards of integrity and transparency in the presence of international and EU observers.

The meeting also dealt with the developments related to the peace process in the Middle East, where His Majesty stressed that political transitions taking in the region, and the aspirations of its people to live in freedom, dignity and security, no longer allow more delay or failure to reach a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of two-state solution.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of the European role alongside other actors in the international community, in rebuilding mutual confidence between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to return to the negotiating table on the basis of the two-state solution and in accordance with a clear time frame.

Jordan will continue cooperation with all parties to launch direct negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to address all final status issues, and lead to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil on pre-June 1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital living in peace and security alongside Israel.

The meeting also touched on overall developments in the region, where the King reiterated Jordan's support for a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, a solution that ensures the unity of the Syrian people and territorial integrity and stops the bloodshed.

In this regard, His Majesty commended the EU countries and the European Commission for providing assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan and for supporting Jordan in its efforts to provide the best humanitarian and medical services for them.

The envoys commended Jordan's reform efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II and his endeavors to achieve peace and stability in the region.