His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held talks with Iraqi President Fuad Masum on the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, developments in Iraq, and current regional concerns.

During a one-on-one meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, followed by expanded talks attended by senior officials from both countries, the two leaders affirmed the strong ties between Jordan and Iraq, as well as the importance of boosting cooperation and coordination, especially in the political, economic and security fields, calling for activating the work of joint committees to enhance economic cooperation.

King Abdullah said the two countries stand together in the fight against terrorism, noting that a united, stable, and prosperous Iraq is in the best interest of Jordan and the entire region.

His Majesty and the Iraqi president stressed the importance of securing border crossings and the international highway linking the two countries, as well as accelerating the construction of the oil pipeline projected to extend from Basra to Aqaba.

Masum said the the oil pipeline is a major strategic project for the two countries, adding that work is underway to reopen the international highway, which is a priority for Iraq.

The Iraqi president also highlighted progress achieved in the fight against Daesh, noting that all components of the Iraqi community are working in unity to defeat the terror group.

The two sides stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to fight terrorism, maintaining coordination within a holistic strategy.

Masum, who is scheduled to participate in the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea, stressed that Iraq is part of the Arab nation, urging all Arabs to support it and thanking Jordan for standing by Iraq as it seeks to maintain its unity and fight terrorism.

Discussions also covered the latest developments in the region and the need to reach political solutions to regional crises.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Adnan Jundi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, Planning Minister Imad Fakhoury, and Energy Minister Ibrahim Saif attended the talks from the Jordanian side.

Earlier, an official welcoming ceremony was held at Al Husseiniya Palace to welcome Masum.