US President Joe Biden hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah at the Oval Office Thursday, underlining Washington’s view of Amman as playing a critical role in maintaining regional stability, particularly regarding Israeli-Palestinian ties.
The visit was Abdullah’s third to the White House since Biden took office, making him Biden’s most frequent foreign guest. The king previously visited in July 2021 and May 2022.
During a private lunch, Biden thanked Abdullah for the role Jordan plays “as a force for stability in the Middle East,” according to a US readout on the talks.
“The leaders discussed opportunities and mechanisms to reduce tensions, particularly in the West Bank,” the White House said.
Biden “reaffirmed his strong support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and recognized the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s crucial role as the custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem, citing the critical need to preserve the historic status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount,” the White House said.
Jordan’s Royal Court said in a statement that “Abdullah commended the United States’ crucial efforts in restoring calm and creating a political horizon that maintains prospects for just and comprehensive peace, based on the two-state solution.”
