Khalifa holds talks with King of Jordan

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan held yesterday talks at Al Rawdha Palace here with H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussing ways of enhancing bilateral ties. Sheikh Khalifa stressed during the talks, which were attended by His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE's keen desire to take UAE-Jordanian ties to new heights, out of the conviction that integration, solidarity and cooperation are the basic enablers of development and prosperity for the Arab people. Sheikh Khalifa said: '' The UAE is looking forward to further its relations of cooperation and partnership with Jordan, particularly in economic and developmental spheres to serve interests of our brotherly countries.'' President Khalifa and King Abdullah underlined during the talks the importance of energising cooperation between Arab countries to serve their strategic interests and of continuous coordination and consultation to promote Arab joint action and advance their higher interest of their peoples and their just causes. The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional and international events, current developments in the Middle East as well as efforts being made by the international community to attain a comprehensive, just peace that meets the rights of Palestinian people in line with the international legitimacy and as the sole way to preserve security and stability in the region. For his part, King Abdullah expressed his delight at visiting the UAE and meeting President Khalifa. He also commended the UAE's views on regional issues, under the sound policy of President Khalifa. King Abdullah also praised as ''honourable'' the UAE's humanitarian and relief assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan. He noted the valuable medical and curative services the Emirates Mobile Hospital is providing to the Zaatari refugee camp. In this context, the Jordanian leader also expressed his appreciation for the UAE's pledge of US$300 million in financial aid to Syrian refugees during the international donor conference for Syrian held recently in Kuwait. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the progress the bilateral ties were making thanks to the close cooperation, consultation and coordination between the two countries. Later, Sheikh Khalifa hosted a lunch banquet in honour of his royal guest and his accompanying delegation, which was attended by a number of Sheikhs and senior officials.