His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received a delegation from the US House of Representatives, headed by Democratic Leader in the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California), and discussed the strategic ties between the two countries, as well as current regional and international developments.

Speaking at the meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein, King Abdullah expressed Jordan’s appreciation for the United States’ support—noting the US Congress’ role—in order to enable Jordan to take on challenges brought on by regional crises and to implement development programmes.

His Majesty cited the memorandum of understanding signed recently by the two countries for economic and military cooperation in the next five years.

The King stressed the importance of achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region, calling for stepping up regional and international efforts to relaunch Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel.

His Majesty noted the United States’ key role in this regard.

The King also highlighted Jordan’s efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

Discussions at the meeting, which continued over lunch, covered challenges and crises in the Middle East and efforts to reach political solutions to end them, as well as efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

The US lawmakers expressed their appreciation of Jordan’s pivotal role, led by His Majesty, to achieve peace and bolster security and stability in the region.

They also praised Jordan’s efforts in shouldering the Syrian refugee burden, affirming the US Congress’ commitment to supporting the Kingdom in various fields.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Planning Minister Imad Fakhoury attended the meeting.