His Majesty King Abdullah attended an official luncheon hosted by Canada Governor General David Johnston and his spouse on Tuesday in honour of His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his spouse, and a number of senior Canadian officials also attended the banquet.

In remarks at the luncheon, King Abdullah said Jordanian-Canadian ties are founded on a bedrock of the shared values of tolerance, compassion, mutual respect, and the equal dignity of men and women.

His Majesty congratulated the governor general and all Canadians on the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. “It is a celebration not only of Canada’s national identity, but your country’s enduring and high place among the nations of the world,” the King said.

His Majesty also commended Johnston, who concludes his term in office soon, as exemplifying “everything that is great about Canada” in his respect for different cultures and religions, concern for others, promotion of peace and prosperity, and the commitment to helping the next generation reach their potential.

The King offered his condolences over the victims of the wildfires in British Columbia, expressing admiration of the responders.

Canada and Jordan, His Majesty noted, both believe in their responsibility to the future, playing notable roles in global peacekeeping and working within a coordinated, holistic response to the global terrorist threat.

“And I also believe it is why we are both concerned to help end the central and most divisive crisis in our region, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with a just and comprehensive settlement based on the two-state solution,” the King said, highlighting Jordanian-Canadian cooperation to respond to the refugee crisis.

Jordan, His Majesty added, is a small country which has become a major regional host country with a disproportionate share of the burden, thanking Canada for supporting the Kingdom through this challenge.

“So a heartfelt thanks from myself and my delegation and all Jordanians for the way you really moved forward to help us, not only with the refugee crisis but to also look at the way we develop our initiatives and economic partnerships,” the King said.

For his part, Johnston expressed his appreciation for the King’s visit, stressing Canada’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Jordan in all fields.

Recalling his visit to Jordan last year, the governor general said one of the places he visited was the Zaatari Refugee Camp, where he joined children playing football.

“What I learned about Jordan that day is despite the challenge of integrating so many, many refugees… Jordan is truly an island of hope for those seeking peace. And despite the hardships, your country is giving kids a chance to play soccer, to have fun, to be safe and get an education,” Johnston said.

“I was also pleased to see the fruits of our collaboration in other spheres, how Canada is working with Jordan to deliver education, water, healthcare and so much more,” he added, noting that “good things come from working together in common cause… [and] encouraging stronger people-to-people ties”.

“We can only become stronger through such interaction. In defence, security, development, trade, arts, culture,” he said, highlighting the potential of “continuing to partner bilaterally and in international fora such as the United Nations”.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Trade Minister Yarub Qudah, Minister of State for Investment Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh, Jordan’s Ambassador to Canada Rima Alaadeen, and Canada’s Ambassador to Jordan Peter MacDougall attended the luncheon.