Amman:Lower House Speaker Mazen Qadi and a British delegation led by MP Andrew Bowie met to explore the expansion of Jordanian-British parliamentary cooperation, focusing on political reforms in Jordan and regional issues, including the Palestinian situation and the Gaza Strip.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting with the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC) delegation also covered the exchange of parliamentary and legislative expertise and other topics of mutual interest.
Qadi discussed Jordan's political modernization, emphasizing increased political participation and the involvement of women and young people. He noted the presence of 27 women in the current Lower House. Qadi also reiterated Jordan's stance on the Palestinian issue, referencing King Abdullah II's United Nations General Assembly speech, affirming support for a two-state solution and Palestinian statehood, and rejecting displacement.
Qadi emphasized the Hashemite Custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of maintaining the city's historical and legal status quo. First Deputy Speaker Khamis Atiyeh stated that achieving sustainable peace requires addressing the conflict's root causes, ending the occupation, and enabling Palestinian rights, including forming an independent state. He emphasized adherence to international law and resolutions.
Assistant Speaker Maysoun Qawabiah called for increased legislative and oversight expertise exchange with the UK as part of Jordan's political modernization, particularly in women's and youth participation.
Jordanian-British Parliamentary Friendship Committee Chairman, MP Omar Khaldi, highlighted the significance of reciprocal parliamentary visits and exchanges for enhancing bilateral relations. Bowie acknowledged Jordan as a key UK partner in the region, underscoring parliamentary diplomacy's role and the need for ongoing dialogue. He supported the two-state solution, the need to halt the humanitarian decline in Gaza, and the protection of international law through continued coordination among concerned parties.
The British delegation members also emphasized the importance of parliamentary engagement and expertise exchange, along with support for the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem's holy sites.