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Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met a number of Muslim members of the British parliament currently visiting Jordan and discussed Jordanian-UK ties, the Middle East and other issues of mutual interest.

The King noted the advanced level of bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two countries, particularly in political and parliamentary affairs.

His Majesty stressed the key role of Muslim leaders in European societies in clarifying the core Islamic values of middle-ground and moderation, emphasized by the 2004 Amman Message that calls for maximizing tolerance and co-existence with adherents of other faiths and cultures.

Also, His Majesty condemned a recent attack that killed a British soldier, adding that such actions did not represent Islam or Muslims and pledging that Jordan would work with others to promote East-West dialogue and build bridges with various cultures, peoples and faiths.

King Abdullah reviewed Jordan's "firm" comprehensive reform drive to carry out development plans and programs, consolidate the democratic approach and expand participation in the decision-making process.

On efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East, the King said the Palestinian cause is the crux of the conflict in the region and cautioned against missing the opportunity at hand to find a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict, the key reason behind regional instability. He noted that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

The meeting also tackled the Syrian crisis and its grave repercussions on the region, where the King pointed to increasing burdens on Jordan as Syrian refugees continue to pour into the Kingdom, further straining its limited resources, urging the world community to shoulder its responsibility during the refugee dilemma.

Further, British Muslim parliamentarians commended the King's efforts towards Islamic causes and in highlighting the true image of Islam, and said they also recognized his role in promoting regional peace and security, as well as the enormous efforts exerted by Jordan to host refugees and provide aid to them.

The six-member delegation, including four members of the House of Lords, a baroness and a House of Commons member, praised Jordan's reform process and achievements made along that path, noting the parliamentary elections held last January.

They also said they were ready to help boost parliamentary and legislative cooperation between the two countries.