King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed his willingness to develop the relationship between his country and the EU, on Wednesday 7 April, during the visit to Amman of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
“King Abdullah underlined the strong ties and partnership between Jordan and the EU, affirming his willingness to develop cooperation in several areas”, said a statement from the Royal Hashemite Court. “The EU is ready to continue its long-term partnership and contribute to prosperity and stability”, Mrs von der Leyen said on Twitter.
The King also welcomed the EU’s support for his country, particularly in hosting Syrian refugees, urging the international community to continue to shoulder its responsibilities.
The Covid-19 crisis was also discussed, with Abdullah II reiterating the need to continue to address the humanitarian and economic implications of the pandemic, as well as the need to make vaccines available to all countries.
According to Mrs von der Leyen, the EU strategy for the region (see EUROPE 12654/8) and Jordan’s economic situation were also discussed.
Neither the Jordanian ruler nor the President of the European Commission has publicly mentioned the unprecedented political crisis in Jordan in recent days with an alleged plot to destabilise the kingdom involving the half-brother of Abdullah II. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)