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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday received US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is currently visiting Jordan as part of a regional tour.

During the meeting, the King and Tillerson discussed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States as well as the latest regional and international developments.

They stressed the importance of the five-year Memorandum of Understanding between Jordan and the United States in the economic and military fields that was renewed in Amman today.

Under the MoU, the US will provide Jordan with aid valued at $6.3 billion over a period of 5 years ($1.275 billion annually), an increase of $275 million annually compared to the previous memorandum. The aid will help the Kingdom continue its reforms and development programs and ease the burden of hosting refugees.

During the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki, His Majesty voiced Jordan's appreciation of the support provided by the US to enable it to implement development programs and address challenges resulting from regional crises.

Talks during the meeting also dealt with the Middle East peace process, where His Majesty stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to re-launch negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution that should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The discussions also focused on developments in the region, mainly the Syrian crisis and the need to reach a political solution for this crisis, as well as regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

King Abdullah and Tillerson also reviewed developments in Iraq and Lebanon and affirmed the importance of supporting efforts to preserve the security and stability of Lebanon and enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese army.

His Majesty also discussed with the US secretary of state UNRWA's role, affirming the importance of the UN agency's role in providing basic humanitarian services to the refugees. He also highlighted the need to provide necessary support to UNRWA to enable it to continue its humanitarian responsibilities.

Tillerson expressed his country's appreciation of Jordan's role under the leadership of His Majesty, to enhance peace and stability in the region and provide services the Syrian refugees.

The meeting was also attended by the minister of foreign and expatriate affairs, the director of the King's Office, Jordan's ambassador to the United States, the US charge d'affaires in Amman and the delegation accompanying the US secretary of state.