His Majesty King Abdullah II received the European Union Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman on Monday, October 22, 2018.

During their meeting, strategic partnerships between Jordan and the European Union were discussed, along with issues regarding the current regional developments.

His Majesty and Hahn also visited the aspect of joint cooperation between the two countries, as well as the opportunities to increase the Jordanian export rates to the European markets.

The King expressed his appreciation towards EU's continuous support to the Kingdom in different sectors. He also stressed the need to intensify efforts in order to reach a just and lasting peace agreement in Palestine, one that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting touched upon the financial challenges facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), as his Majesty stressed the importance of supporting the Agency ways which will allow it to continue its work.

King Abdullah also paid tribute to the European Union's role in the peace process and in supporting UNRWA.

During the meeting, there was a great emphasis on the importance of reaching a political solutions to the crises witnessed in the Middle East, particularly the Syrian crisis, in order to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The burdens imposed by the Syrian refugee crisis on the Jordanian economy were also emphasized, along with the importance of providing the necessary aid to guarantee the refugees return to their home country, peacefully.

The EU commissioner stressed that the EU considers Jordan as a key partner and that it is keen to supporting Jordan in its development and economic plans.

Hahn also expressed his appreciation of the significant contributions made by Jordan in hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to His Majesty, Director of His Office, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and the Ambassador of the European Union.