Strasbourg: His Majesty King Abdullah II delivered a significant address at the European Parliament's headquarters in Strasbourg, France, emphasizing pressing issues in the Middle East and the importance of global values.
According to Jordan News Agency, during his address, King Abdullah expressed deep concern over Israel's expansion of its offensive to include Iran, cautioning that it is now impossible to predict where the boundaries of this conflict might end, thus posing a threat to people everywhere. He highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as contrary to international law, moral standards, and shared values, especially as violations continue in the West Bank, deteriorating the situation further.
The King reiterated that Palestinians deserve the right to freedom, sovereignty, and the establishment of their own independent state. He pointed out that the world is undergoing continuous turmoil, becoming "untethered like it has lost its moral gravity," and stressed that these are critical moments in history that require the global community to adhere to its values.
King Abdullah emphasized that true security lies not in military might but in the power of shared values. He warned that peace imposed by force or fear is unsustainable. The King also reflected on the founding of the European Union, praising Europe's choices in shaping a more stable and principled world. He linked Jordan's national principles of tolerance and mutual respect to its heritage and history, which drive the country's commitment to shared values of the three monotheistic religions.
Furthermore, King Abdullah affirmed Jordan's dedication to protecting the historical and multi-religious identity of Jerusalem as part of the Hashemite Custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites. He underscored the importance of these values in navigating current global challenges and ensuring they withstand the test of time and turmoil.
The King's delegation to Strasbourg included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan's Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Jordan's Mission to the EU Yousef Bataineh.