Jordanian king, Iraqi PM discuss regional de-escalation

By Amir al-Saadi

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi met with Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday in Baghdad with whom he discussed the prospect of “joining forces” with a view to stopping regional escalations.

During a one-day visit to Iraq, King Abdullah met Abdul-Mahdi in Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments and “the need to unify ranks to stop escalations between various states of the region”, according to a subsequent statement released by the PM’s office.

The two leaders also reportedly stressed the importance of “supporting the Palestinian cause and safeguarding Jerusalem”.

“Jordan is the lifeline of Iraq and vice versa," Jordan’s official Petra news agency quoted Abdul-Mahdi as saying after the meeting.

While in the Iraqi capital, King Abdullah also met with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi, along with other Iraqi officials.