His Majesty King Abdullah will visit
the US late this month, or at the beginning of July, and will be the first Arab
leader to meet the new American president, after the latter came into office.
اضافة اعلان
The King’s schedule will be busy, as
on the sidelines of the visit, he will participate in the Sun Valley Forum,
where the King will meet many personalities. His Majesty is also scheduled to
hold talks with members of the US Congress and congressional committees, in
addition to the meeting with the president, a longtime friend of Jordan who
looks at
Jordan with respect and as a friend in a region mired in challenges.
One of most important issues that
will be raised during the visit is related to the internal situation in Jordan,
especially the economy, and the need to stand by the Kingdom to help it address
its economic woes. In addition, there is the need for a stable Arab region, and
the related political role of Jordan in the region.
Bilateral ties will also be on the
agenda at their different levels, including political relations, the alliance
between the two countries, and the nature of the future relationship.
Undoubtedly, the issue of political reform and the promotion of democracy will
be top the talks’ agenda, in light of the Democrats’ interest in this issue and
related matters, such as human rights and other details.
The second issue has to do with the
Palestinian cause, the peace process, and the extent to which Washington's can
push for new negotiations. What is certain here is that Washington will listen
to the Jordanian point of view and the risks inherent, especially in the issue
of Jerusalem and the practices of Israeli governments. During the recent visit
of the US secretary of state to Jordan, he listened to the King’s views on
several issues, and asked for His Majesty’s opinion regarding what should be
done in the Middle East, especially concerning the Palestinian issue, and the
crises created by the Israeli government.
Jordan's international relations are
excellent, especially with the Europeans and Americans, and they have
contributed a lot to strengthening Jordan's stability, amid a volatile region,
where entire state structures have failed, bilateral relations have been
damaged, and crises have emerged. What can be said here is that Jordan is
viewed in a positive light, and this has greatly contributed to a stronger
Jordan in this challenging landscape.
There are many regional issues on
the table, Syria in particular, which may be considered an important point among
the regional issues to be discussed. Everyone realizes that the current US
administration is stricter in its approach to Damascus.
It may be important for Jordan bring
up the US Caesar Act, which imposes sanctions on the Syrians, and causes harm
to them, just as it causes harm to Jordan, especially on the economic level.
Jordan may ask for exemptions from these sanctions, which was done during the
time of Iraq sanctions.
Jordan secured several exceptions
then, in light of the need for the Jordanian economy to survive. History
repeats itself with the Syrian episode, due to intertwined relations and the history
and geography of both countries.
As long as we are talking about the
Syrian issue, indications show gradual changes in the Jordanian political
decision-making, as Amman seems willing gradual open to the Syrians. There are
unannounced contacts at high levels, and it is expected that we will witness
mutual technical visits at the ministerial level of the two countries, while
Washington's tough stance on the Syrians has an impact on the entire region.
This is a great opportunity for the
King to discuss Jordan's interests, and perhaps talk about some issues in the
region, on behalf of the region, which is also facing a different situation in
light of ongoing international conflicts.
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