Amman, April 16 (Petra) -- First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament Khamis Atiyeh underscored the depth of relations between Jordan and the United Kingdom, describing them as ties grounded in mutual respect.

According to a House statement issued Thursday, Atiyeh, during a meeting with UK Member of Parliament Dan Carden on the sidelines of the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly currently being held in Istanbul, called for strengthening bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in parliamentary work.

He also called for supporting Jordan and enabling it to continue its humanitarian and moral role, especially as the region is going through exceptional circumstances.

Atiyeh also pointed to the reform and modernization process launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II in the administrative, economic, and political tracks, saying it is moving forward steadily.

He further referred to the role of the Israeli occupation in heightening tensions in the region, as well as the grave violations taking place in the West Bank, in addition to statements by Israeli officials that are fueling regional tension.

He also pointed to the repeated incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, which Jordan rejects, and to the prevention of Christians from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

//Petra// AO