New York, Sep 22 (Petra) His Majesty King Abdullah II, during separate meetings with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Finland President Alexander Stubb, and Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden on Monday, emphasised the need to exert maximum efforts to halt Israel’s ground operations in Gaza.

During the meetings, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, His Majesty reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for relief aid to be allowed to flow unimpeded in all areas of the Strip, in order to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

The King warned of the serious consequences of expanding settlement activity in the West Bank, and attempts to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem.

His Majesty asserted the need to support Palestinians in obtaining their legitimate rights and establishing their independent state, on the basis of the two-state solution, commending Luxembourg’s intention to recognise the Palestinian state.

For his part, the President of Cyprus affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Jordan within the framework of the European Union.

The President of Finland commended Jordan’s important role in the region, affirming his country’s full support for the King’s efforts to achieve peace.

The Prime Minister of Luxembourg also praised Jordan’s relief efforts in Gaza and the services it provides to refugees in the Kingdom, noting Jordan’s leading role in coordinating these humanitarian efforts with various countries around the world.

The meetings also touched on the friendly relations between Jordan and these countries, and ways to enhance cooperation across various fields.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meetings.

//Petra// AF