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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on Tuesday, held talks on ways to develop relations between Jordan and Germany in various fields, in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iraq.

In remarks to reporters before the talks, His Majesty stressed keenness to maintain dialogue with Germany on various challenges facing the Middle East and ways to deal with them, paying tribute to Germany's role in the region and its contribution within the European Union.

The King said the latest developments in Iraq are a common concern and "we strive to achieve a solution that includes everyone there for the future of Iraq." On Syria, His Majesty said the refugees issue remains Jordan's top concern since the Kingdom is now the world's third largest host country for refugees, and that puts tremendous burden "on our people and our budget, and the infrastructure of our country." The flow of foreign fighters from around the world to Syria has clearly proven that this conflict has no boundaries, let alone the challenges that some countries have to face when those terrorists and extremists return to their countries.

The German Chancellor said Jordan bears a heavy burden in addressing the Syrian refugees disaster, pledging that Germany will look into offering further support to the Kingdom for this end.

During the talks, attended by a number of senior officials from the two countries, the King and Merkel stressed keenness to cement bilateral relations in various fields, especially in economic spheres.

On Middle East developments, the two sides discussed ways to promote a climate of peace and reject violence and extremism, so as to achieve security and stability for the peoples of the region.

In this regard, His Majesty reiterated Jordan's position in support of reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis to end the suffering of the Syrian people and preserve the unity and integrity of Syria's land and people.

King Abdullah highlighted burdens borne by Jordan as a result of hosting a massive and non-stop influx of Syrian refugees on its territory, urging the international community to provide further support to the Kingdom to enable it continue its humanitarian role.

He warned of not achieving a political solution to the Syrian crisis and its repercussions on neighboring countries and the region as a whole, noting that the current crisis in Iraq further fuels tension, strife, conflict and extremism in the Middle East.

His Majesty pointed out that resolving the crisis in Iraq comes through an all-encompassing political process involving all components of the Iraqi people, without exception, stressing Jordan's keenness on the safety and territorial integrity of Iraq and its people.

With regard to the efforts to achieve peace and find a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, King Abdullah emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian issue, and the need to support all efforts designed to resolve it and enable the Palestinian people restore their legitimate rights.

The King also stressed the need for the international community to support the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis under U.S. auspices, in order to address all final status issues and reach a solution conducive to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state on pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital living in peace and security alongside Israel.

Merkel said Germany was keen to work with Jordan for the development of relations between the two countries in various fields, and enhance the security and stability of the region and contribute to solving its problems.

She also commended His Majesty the King's endeavors and wisdom in dealing with the challenges facing the Middle East region and its peoples.

*Petra