His Majesty King Abdullah took part in a one-on-one panel discussion with Al-Monitor President Andrew Parasiliti on Wednesday at the Middle East Global Summit, which was hosted by the Al-Monitor and Semafor media organisations and attended by worldwide political and media personalities.
The conversation, which was attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, covered the latest developments in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Jordan's efforts towards peace and regional integration, as well as pressure on the Kingdom as a result of hosting refugees and Syria's developments.
In response to a query on going forward with the peace process, King Abdullah stated that there are "two elephants in the room."
"One is Palestinian transition and the future for the younger generation of leaders," His Majesty said, adding that "part of the challenge is that we Jordanians, Arabs, Israelis, and Americans do not know who the younger generation of Palestinians are" and that it is critical to be able to reach out to these young voices.
The second elephant in the room, according to the King, is where Israel is going and "how can we have an understanding of a political horizon."
His Majesty emphasised the significance of investing in regional initiatives to break down boundaries, benefit all parties, and pave the road for peace efforts.
In response to the United States' efforts to broker peace between Saudi Arabia and Israel, the King stated that such a step "brings us through a new horizon," but that "part of the challenge is with the Israeli government." This assumption, shared by some in the region, that you can parachute over Palestine, deal with the Arabs, and then work your way back is incorrect. That isn't going to work."
"There is something Saudi Arabia wants, something Israel wants, something Americans want; what you have to add to that component is what do the Palestinians get out of it?" "And what does the region get out of it, because we're all in this together," His Majesty continued.
The King urged people to think strategically rather than tactically.
His Majesty also addressed the waning international attention and support for the refugee issue, warning that "this is a problem that's going to come back and haunt all of us" as a result of the insecurity in south Syria.
The King emphasised Jordan's efforts to help refugees with health and education services, as well as job possibilities, stating that "we're getting nothing compared to what we as a government are trying to put into support."
"That can only get worse with the challenges we have in the region, if there is another wave of refugees," His Majesty cautioned.
Concerning Jordan's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, the King discussed the trilateral framework with Egypt and Iraq, as well as opportunities for regional projects in water and energy conveyance, railway infrastructure, and logistical bases to benefit the three countries and the region as a whole.
His Majesty finished the discussion by emphasising the region's immense opportunities, emphasising that the opportunity for economic development is what breaks down borders "because, at the end of the day, most people will vote for peace, if they can put food on the table for themselves, for their loved ones."
Look Details:
Her Majest was wearing her JW ANDERSON Double-breasted wool-blend twill blazer and JW ANDERSON Grain de poudre wool wide-leg pants. She paired it with her Christian Dior Songe Perspex-Heel Blue Pumps, Chaumet JOSÉPHINE AIGRETTE RING White gold and LOEWE EXCLUSIVE Small Leather Puzzle Edge Top-Handle Bag
