Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

King of Jordan Visits France to Boost Strategic Partnership

King of Jordan Visits France to Boost Strategic Partnership

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the visit of the Jordanian monarch to Paris in his speech last month during the annual French Ambassadors' Conference and referred to the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership.
The Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership was held in the Iraqi capital during the summer of 2021, and France saw it as a massive success given its extensive regional participation.

France also saw the conference as a platform for countries that were not engaging in dialogue, in reference to Iran and the Gulf states.

For several months, work has been underway between France, Jordan, and other countries to hold a second conference on the matter, which is supposed to be hosted by Jordan.

A French presidential source said the bilateral summit between the French President and King Abdullah II provides an opportunity to discuss the regional developments in the Middle East aiming at establishing stability and dialogue.

The King of Jordan arrived Wednesday in Paris, accompanied by Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein. They were received by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte. Later, Macron hosted King Abdallah II for lunch.

On the bilateral level, the source considered the meeting "a new stage of the strategic partnership" between France and Jordan, allowing joint action to face security and economic challenges.

France and Jordan seem concerned about developments in the Middle East and Iran's role, which Paris describes as "destabilizing."

During an interview with al-Rai newspaper, the Jordanian monarch previously condemned Iran's role in the region: "We hope to see a change in Iran's behavior, and it must materialize on the ground because it would be in the interest of everyone in the region."

The King asserted that Jordan, like any other country, does not "want regional tensions, and we, and all Arab countries, seek good relations with Iran, based on mutual respect, good neighborly relations, and respect for countries' sovereignty and non-intervention in their internal affairs."

Jordan's approach is identical to France's. Paris is concerned that current efforts to revive the nuclear agreement with Tehran might fail and is concerned about its impact on regional stability in an area undergoing several problems and wars.

King Abdullah and the French President have a close relationship dating back to the beginning of Macron's first term in 2017. However, the visit came after a three-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the eighth visit of its kind by King Abdullah II to the Elysee.

However, Macron has not yet visited Jordan. If the "Baghdad 2" summit is realized, it will be Macron's first time in Amman.

France and Jordan have a strong relationship at all strategic, political, security, economic, and cultural levels.

During the war on ISIS, Jordan provided facilities for the French planes that participated in bombing the terrorist organization's sites in Iraq and Syria.

Jordan enjoys a unique geo-strategic position because of its geographical location and joint borders with Iraq and Syria. It is central to fighting terrorism and the region's future, security, and stability.

Jordan suffers from drug smuggling operations coming from Syria.

In recent months, there have been numerous clashes between smugglers and Jordanian security forces.

French and Jordanian parties are seeking to enhance their cooperation on the security level.

Moreover, the Jordanian King has a significant role in the Palestinian-Israeli file, which has been frozen for years. Recently, Macron received Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and, later, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

France, along with the EU, wants to have a role to play as a mediator in this conflict. However, the French sources see slim chances for such a role shortly, noting that any development in this issue requires US involvement.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Reports in Gaza: 5 dead from the impact of aid packages dropped by the USA
Apple warns against drying iPhones with rice
China Criticizes US for Vetoing UN Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza
In a recent High Court hearing, the U.S. argued that Julian Assange endangered lives by releasing classified information.
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, instead proposing its own six-week ceasefire plan contingent upon the release of all hostages held by Hamas
Prince William Urges End to Gaza Conflict
Saudi Arabia ranks first in UN index for e-government services in MENA
Israel has gone ‘beyond self-defence’ in Gaza, says Labour’s Streeting
EU Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Israel Records 20% Drop In GDP, War In Gaza Is The Reason
Saudi Arabia's FDI Inflows Grow with New International Standards
Venture Capitals Power Up Across MENA Region
Saudi Arabia Introduces Terms for 30-Year Income Tax Exemption for Multinational Companies
Saudi FM: Establishing Palestinian state is only pathway for Mideast stability
Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has died at the Arctic prison colony
Elon Musk's Starlink Gets License For Israel, Parts Of Gaza
Influencers Exploit X Platform for Profit Amidst Israel-Gaza Conflict
PM Modi Announces Opening Of New CBSE Office In Dubai
International Criminal Court's Chief "Deeply Concerned" By Rafah Bombing
January Funding for MENA Startups Totals $86.5 Million
Saudi Arabia accelerates digital economy growth through Nvidia partnership
Indian female military officers commend Saudi Arabia's progress and women's empowerment
Israel unveils tunnels underneath Gaza City headquarters of UN agency for Palestinian refugees
Israel deploys new military AI in Gaza war
Egypt threatens to suspend key peace treaty if Israel pushes into Gaza border town, officials say
Israel Utilizes AI Military Technology in Gaza Conflict
Saudi Arabia Warns Of A "Humanitarian Catastrophe" If Israel Moves On Rafah
China Warns Iran to Halt Houthi Attacks or Damage Trade Ties
US University To Shut Qatar Campus Due To "Heightened Mideast Instability"
Iran-backed hackers interrupt UAE TV streaming services with deepfake news
Facebook and Instagram Ban Iran's Supreme Leader
Finnish Airline, Finnair, is voluntarily weighing passengers to better estimate flight cargo weight
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken: The Israelis underwent dehumanization on 7.10, this does not give them the right to do this to others.
Defense Technology Showcase Held in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rise 2.5% to $6bn in November 2023: GASTAT
UK Bans Misleading "Zero Emissions" Claims for Electric Cars
Gaza's Teen Inventor Sparks Light in Displacement
Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Proposal, Insists On Total Victory Over Hamas
Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel
Private Sector Employment Hits Record High with Over 11 Million Employees in January
Rolls-Royce Executive Encourages Saudi Women to Tap into Their Inner 'Superhero' for Success in Defense Industry
Saudi Arabia launches National Academy of Vehicles and Cars
Saudi Tourism Minister Reveals Plan for 250,000 New Hotel Rooms by 2030
SAR to more than double eastern network passenger capacity with new trains deal
Saudi Arabia Enhances National Defense with New Partnerships
Saudi Aramco Maintains Arab Light Crude Pricing to Asia for March
NEOM Establishes New York Office to Support Investors
Saudi Wealth Fund Draws in Over $25 Billion Worth of Investments in Three Years, Al-Rumayyan Reveals
ZATCA Cautions Against Scammer Schemes
INTRA Defense Technologies inaugurates drone factory in Riyadh
×