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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday welcomed Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, to discuss the strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union(EU), and current developments in the region.

During a meeting at the Al Husseiniya Palace, the King and the EU official discussed prospects of further bilateral cooperation, and opportunities to benefit from the simplified Rules of Origin agreement to increase Jordan's exports to European markets.

His Majesty praised the support the EU gives to the Kingdom in various sectors.

The discussions also tackled developments in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis, with the King highlighting the importance of stepping up efforts to reach a lasting peace according to the two-state solution, which leads to setting up an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Commenting on financial challenges facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), His Majesty said further efforts are needed to support the agency to enable it to provide relief, education and health services. He hailed the EU role in advancing the peace process and supporting the refugee agency.

The King and the EU official also stressed the need to reach political solutions to the crises in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and to ensure the safety of its land and the unity of its people.

They also reviewed the burden the Syrian refugee crisis had placed on resource-poor Jordan and its economy, and the importance of creating the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of refugees to their country.

Hahn said that the EU considers Jordan a major partner, expressing the bloc's keenness to continue to support the Kingdom in implementing development and economic plans, and also commended it for hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.

The meeting was attended by the King's advisor, the director of His Majesty's Office, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and the EU's ambassador to Jordan.