Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday participated in a meeting hosted by President Barack Obama for the countries participating in efforts to combat terrorism in the region, especially the extremist terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.

President Obama told the King and the leaders of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq that he was "very appreciative" of their help in joining a US-led coalition aimed at defeating the Islamic extremists.

Speaking just hours after he launched air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria, Obama said the coalition aims to make sure that security and prosperity exists in the region of the Middle East.

He added that the coalition efforts are not only military. "We have to make sure that we are providing the education necessary for young people to succeed in a modern economy," he said.

In New York, where the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly is being held, his Majesty continued his meetings with heads of delegations to discuss bilateral cooperation and the latest developments in the Middle East.

In a meeting with Iraqi President, Mohammad Fuad Masum, the King discussed the developments in the Iraqi arena, the efforts to achieve a national consensus among the various components of the Iraqi people and the International and regional efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

The Iraqi President hailed the King's efforts to achieve security and stability in the region, thereby contributing to a better future for the Iraqi people.

*Petra