His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received a delegation from the Arab and International Relations Council at Al Husseiniya Palace and discussed regional developments, particularly issues related to the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.

King Abdullah reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, stressing that the international community must undertake its responsibility to create political horizons that break the stalemate in efforts to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace, based on the two-state solution and with the aim of guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty affirmed Jordan’s full support for the Palestinians as they work to safeguard their historical and legal rights to Jerusalem, stressing that Jordan will also persist in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

At the meeting, the King also called for supporting the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and preserving the Arab identity of Jerusalem, which, His Majesty reiterated, is the key to achieving peace and stability and ending conflicts and political crises in the Middle East.

Jerusalem is important to Christians as it is important to Muslims, the King asserted, citing remarks by Christian leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan last month during a meeting at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ.

His Majesty highlighted the important role of the Arab and International Relations Council in presenting Arab perspectives at international forums.

Discussions also covered regional crises and efforts to resolve them politically.

The delegates expressed appreciation of Jordan’s role, led by the King, in seeking regional security and stability, as well as His Majesty’s efforts to defend the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.