King to former PMs, officials: Jordan is safe and will remain so

• King Abdullah II meets former prime ministers to discuss regional tensions, security measures, and Jordan’s stability.

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday held a meeting with a number of former prime ministers and officials, focusing on key regional developments, and measures being taken by state institutions to address the repercussions of regional tensions.

During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace and attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, the King affirmed that Jordan is safe and will remain so, noting the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army’s commitment to continue protecting the Kingdom from any threat.

His Majesty said: “I have complete confidence in our security agencies, and the interest of Jordan and Jordanians is our foremost priority.”

The King underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation and coordination among state agencies, to ensure readiness in the face of regional developments and their economic repercussions, and to guarantee a secure and strategic reserve of essential goods.

His Majesty asserted that Jordan’s position in opposition of the war has been clear from the outset, noting that the Kingdom has exerted every possible effort to de-escalate tensions and prevent such a conflict.

The King reiterated his condemnation of Iran’s unjustified attacks on Jordan and Gulf states, noting that the security of the Gulf is fundamental to the security and stability of the region and the world.

His Majesty welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran as a positive step towards de-escalation in the region, affirming Jordan’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to mediate a lasting agreement that addresses all the issues that have led to instability and insecurity in the region.

The King stressed the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
His Majesty warned that 'Israel' has once again exploited the situation in the region to expand the conflict, emphasising that Jordan continues to communicate with the international community on the need to address the situation in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza.

The King warned of the dangerous developments in the West Bank and Jerusalem, stressing the importance of launching an international effort to halt Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank, or alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

His Majesty also emphasised the need to end Israel’s aggression against Lebanon, and to support its government’s efforts to maintain Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty.

The meeting was attended by former prime ministers Abdul Karim Kabariti, Abdur-Rau'f Rawabdeh, Faisal Fayez, Adnan Badran, Nader Dahabi, Samir Rifai, Abdullah Ensour, Hani Mulki, Omar Razzaz, and Bisher Khasawneh. Also present were Abdul Ilah Khatib, Nasser Judeh, Mahmoud Freihat, and Hussein Hawatmeh.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh also attended the meeting.