Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The participation of His Majesty King Abdullah II in the NATO summit, starting today in the United Kingdom, provides an opportunity to present its vision regarding various regional and international challenges and ways to address them, State Minister for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani said.

At a meeting with a delegation of US Congressional aides in the presence of the US Ambassador to Jordan Alice Wells, the minister said that the King enjoys credibility, noting that many world leaders are keen to listen to his views on various strategic, political and security issues.

"Terrorism and other challenges that face the Middle East require international cooperation and coordination to deal with them and to enhance security and stability of the region and its peoples," the minister added.

Jordan, Momani said, has a history of openness, tolerance and respect for human rights, and has been able to build a reform model, adding that the recent constitutional amendments will contribute towards deepening democracy and preparing for the next stage, that is, formation of parliamentary governments.

"These amendments, which gave the King the sole authority to appoint the army chief and the director of the General Intelligence Department (GID), aim to ensure that the army and security agencies remain aloof from any political bickering," he added.

Momani also spoke about the current situation in the region, mainly the Palestinian issue, the crisis in Syria and developments in Iraq.

He said that a solution to the Palestinian issue will pave the way for a return to security and stability in the Middle East, noting that Jordan, under the King's leadership, backs efforts to resume peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis that address all final status issues.

On Syria, the minister reiterated Jordan's stance which calls for a comprehensive political solution that brings to an end the bloodshed and violence and restores security and stability of that country.

Regarding the situation in Iraq, he said Jordan backs a political solution achieved with the participation of all sections of the Iraqi society that guarantees security, stability and unity of the country.

The minister also reviewed economic challenges facing Jordan, foremost of which are poverty and unemployment, adding that the influx of Syrian refugees has exacerbated the challenges facing the Kingdom.

On Jordan's relations with the United States, Momani highlighted the friendship and partnership between the two countries and voiced appreciation for the US' support to Jordan in various fields.

*Petra