Jordanian monarch meets Italian

King Abdullah II on Monday met with Italian Defense Minister, Giampaolo Di Paola, who is currently participating in the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX 2012). The King and the Italian minister discussed means of boosting Jordanian-Italian ties especially in defense areas. During the meeting, which was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lieutenant-General Mishal Mohammed Zabin, the King and the Italian official also discussed political developments in the Middle East and the peace process. King meets delegation of U.S J Street organization Meanwhile King Abdullah II met with a delegation from the U.S J Street organization and discussed efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The King stressed the importance of cooperation of all regional and international parties to help Palestinians and Israelis return back to the negotiation table, discuss all final status issues and work out a just and lasting solution that leads to the establishment of an Independent Palestinian State alongside the State of Israel. ‘Creating suitable conditions to launch direct negotiations between the two sides is a collective responsibility’ the King said, noting that the two-state solution is the only way to enhance security and stability in the region. Regional developments in light of the Arab Spring were also discussed during the meeting, attended by Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and Director of the King’s Office Imad Fakhoury. The delegates expressed their appreciation of Jordan’s efforts to achieve peace and stability and create a better future for the people of the region.