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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Wednesday, held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on ways to cement relations between Jordan and Canada and the latest developments in the Middle East and the world.

King Abdullah thanked Canada for its support to the Kingdom and the assistance it provides to accomplish development programs and mitigate the repercussions of economic hardships.

The talks dealt with a number of Middle East issues, mainly international efforts to combat terrorism. In this context, King Abdullah called for devising a comprehensive strategy to renounce all forms of terrorism and extremism and intensify international and regional efforts to address this threat.

On peacemaking efforts in the region, His Majesty emphasized the need for a concerted international action to set the ground for the resumption of peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis to ultimately bring about the two-state solution.

With regards to the raging war in Syria, the King renewed Jordan's call for finding a comprehensive political solution to crisis to end the suffering of the Syrian people. He highlighted burdens being borne by Jordan as a result of hosting around 1.5 Syrian refugees. The talks also touched on developments Iraq, Libya and Yemen. The King and the Canadian prime minister stressed that political solutions remain the only way out of the crises in these countries.

The Canadian prime minister hailed Jordan as a model in the Middle East for its efforts to bring about regional peace and stability. He said his country is keen on expanding its relationship with Jordan in various spheres.

In press remarks before the meeting, His Majesty thanked the Canadian prime minister for the warm welcome and said the two countries will always maintain a strategic relationship.

"Your role and your presence in our part of the world is something that is drastically needed and one that I am very proud to be a partner of," the King said.

King Abdullah thanked Canada for its humanitarian assistance as the Kingdom manages a massive influx of Syrian refugees.

Harper said Jordan remains a key partner to Canada to address a host of challenges, especially counter-terrorism efforts and said his country will remain committed to assisting the Kingdom in the relief efforts of the Syrian refugees.

*Petra