Jordan Times
Monday, June 16, 2008
Arab joint action urged
to stand up to challenges
AMMAN (JT) - Jordan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday urged more Arab joint action in
dealing with the challenges facing the Arab world.
During talks in Jeddah, His Majesty King Abdullah and King Abdullah of Saudi
Arabia said that unified Arab stands, activated joint action and continued
coordination are the recipe to overcome the difficult situation the region is
going through and protect the interests of the Arab nation.
The two leaders discussed the situation in the Palestinian territories, voicing
support for the call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for dialogue between
the rivalling Palestinian groups to end the state of divide.
They said Israel’s continued settlement activity, including the recent
announcement of a project to expand settlement in East Jerusalem threatens
security and stability in the region, stressing that the way for a true peace is
through the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the entire
Palestinian territories.
The summit, which continued over a lunch banquet, also covered the situation in
Lebanon in light of the Doha agreement reached in May between the Lebanese
political powers.
The two leaders stressed their support for efforts to implement the agreement
and forming a national unity government as soon as possible.
On Iraq, King Abdullah and the Saudi monarch reiterated they back efforts to
entrench security and stability in the country, emphasising the need for
intensified Arab support for Iraq to help it preserve its unity and sovereignty.
On bilateral ties, the two leaders expressed keenness to cement relations in
various fields, especially economy and investments.
In this regard, King Abdullah, who returned home later Sunday, voiced
appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s assistance to the Kingdom as the country
continues with implementing development projects.
In a statement to the press following the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Salah Bashir said the talks between King Abdullah and the Saudi leader covered
challenges facing the nation and ways to enhance Arab solidarity.