Nicosia, Apr. 24 (Petra)-- Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II participated on Friday in the informal meeting of the European Union and key regional partners in Nicosia, Cyprus.

The meeting, organized by the European Union and attended by European heads of state and government representatives from a number of partner countries, discussed the key developments in the Middle East, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation in order to address shared challenges and restore stability.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince stressed the importance of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between Jordan and the European Union, adding that the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the Jordan-EU Investment Conference later this year.

Speaking about the situation in the region, His Royal Highness underscored that any ceasefire agreement must address all causes of tensions and ensure an end to hostilities and the restoration of security in Arab states, particularly the Gulf states.

Regarding developments in Lebanon, the Crown Prince affirmed Jordan’s full support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasising that Jordan would continue to provide support to the Lebanese Army.

His Royal Highness also highlighted relations between Jordan and Syria, noting that the two countries are working actively to build a future of cooperation, and calling on European partners to continue supporting these efforts.

The Crown Prince stressed that developments in the region must not distract the world’s attention from the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, warning that the annexation of land poses a grave threat that would destroy any prospects for peace.

His Royal Highness highlighted the gravity of ongoing economic restrictions imposed on Palestinians, as well as violations of the historical and legal status quo at Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The Crown Prince also noted that humanitarian aid is not reaching Gaza, stressing the need to ensure compliance with the United States’ plan to end the conflict in the Strip.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain attended the meeting.

//Petra// MF