Amman, March 31 (Petra) -- Speaker of the Lower House Mazen Qadi met on Tuesday with Australian Ambassador to Jordan Paula Ganly to discuss ways to advance bilateral relations across all fields, particularly parliamentary cooperation.
Qadi underscored the depth of relations between the two countries and stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination in ways that serve the interests of both peoples and contribute to regional security and stability.
He also reviewed Jordan's political modernization process, launched under directives from His Majesty King Abdullah II, which aims to broaden public participation in decision-making.
Qadi expressed appreciation for Australia's support for the two-state solution and its recognition of the State of Palestine.
On the war in the region, Qadi said Jordan is not a party to the conflict, but has nonetheless come under unacceptable and condemned attacks by Iran targeting Jordan and Gulf states. He said the Kingdom's policy is based on avoiding involvement in conflicts while prioritizing the protection of national security.
He also warned against Israel exploiting the war to alter the historic and legal status quo in Jerusalem and pointed to escalating settlement activity in the West Bank. He added that Al-Aqsa Mosque has been closed for a month and that Christian worshippers have also been prevented from praying in Jerusalem's churches.
For her part, the Australian ambassador expressed her country's high appreciation for Jordan's major role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in promoting regional security and stability, and highlighted Jordan's role in shouldering the burden of refugees.
She reaffirmed Australia's commitment to providing various forms of support to Jordan and pointed to the high level of trust and respect enjoyed by His Majesty King Abdullah II in the international community because of his moderate positions and his consistent calls for dialogue and for strengthening security and stability in the region.
//Petra// AO
