Jordan’s King Abdullah II held talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman on Sunday.
Both sides discussed the “available options,” in the absence of a concrete political horizon to advance a political process in the region and after US President Joe Biden’s failure in this regard.
King Abdullah underscored the importance of the joint Jordanian-Palestinian action at various levels to build on diplomatic activity in the region ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September.
He said Amman is keen to underline the significance of the Palestinian cause before the international community.
Discussions touched on the developments in the region, especially the upcoming Israeli elections and their impact on the chances of resuming peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
The two officials agreed to continue coordination to overcome the obstacles put by Israel on the King Hussein Bridge, causing traffic jams.
A well-informed Palestinian source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the two leaders have long been coordinating and evaluating the situation, exchanging views, and agreeing on work mechanisms, noting that this also took place during Sunday’s meeting.
The two officials have met ahead of Biden’s visit and agreed to propose a joint stance, according to the source.
However, due to Biden’s failure to advance a political horizon, both leaders decided to discuss the outcomes of his visit and the steps that should be taken.
The source pointed out that Biden didn’t want to pressure Israel, even in terms of the US promises to the Palestinians, including the opening of a consulate in Jerusalem.
The source said that coordination with Jordan is crucial, given its influential role in the region and with the Americans as well.
According to a statement by the Palestinian official news agency Wafa, Abbas briefed King Abdullah on the latest developments on the Palestinian cause, as well as the challenges facing Palestinians as a result of the Israeli occupation’s ongoing crimes.
“The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and common issues between the two brotherly countries, as well as the latest political developments in the region,” the agency said.
