WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah to the White House on Monday. It was the first of three face-to-face meetings with Middle East leaders that are expected to take place soon.
The two leaders “reaffirm the enduring strength of the partnership between the United States and Jordan. the White House said in a statement after the meeting.
“President Biden confirmed unwavering US support for Jordan and His Majesty’s leadership,” it said. “He was proud to announce the delivery of over 500,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Jordan, underscoring the US commitment to bringing the same urgency to international vaccination efforts that we have demonstrated at home.”
The two leaders discussed the global economic effects of COVID-19 and the president’s infrastructure plan, “as well as Jordan’s plans for a desalination project and Jordan’s potential for greater regional economic integration through investments in energy infrastructure.”
They also discussed the situation in the Middle East.
“In that regard, the President expressed his strong support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and respect for Jordan’s special role as custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem,” the White House statement said.
“The President expressed US support for engagement between Jordan and the new Israeli government, as demonstrated by their bilateral agreement earlier this month to improve Jordan’s access to fresh water and increase Jordan’s exports to the West Bank,” it said.
Biden also “commended the important role Jordan plays in the wider stability of the region and welcomed the recent trilateral summit in Baghdad between Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt,” the White House said.
Abdullah is the first Middle East leader to visit Biden at the White House. He is to be followed on July 26 by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. US and Israeli officials are working on scheduling a meeting soon between Biden and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Regarding the strategic US-Jordan defense relationship, the two leaders “discussed US support for the modernization of Jordan’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which will allow for greater interoperability and effectiveness of the Jordanian Armed Forces,” the White House said. “President Biden thanked Jordan for its important early contributions to the successful campaign to defeat ISIS, and honored the memory of Captain Muath al-Kasasbeh as an example of Jordanian courage and heroism.”
Biden said his administration “looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation in multiple areas over the coming months, including the promotion of economic opportunities that will be vital for a bright future in Jordan.”
Abdullah was scheduled to have a working breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris at the vice president’s residence and meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department on Tuesday.