King Abdullah visits Saudi Arabia to discuss Jerusalem recognition

The Jordanian monarch was in Riyadh to discuss the “dangerous” ramifications with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

His Majesty King Abdullah II accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein, meets with HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. RHC via Twitter

Jordan’s King Abdullah II flew in to Riyadh on Tuesday to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the “dangerous” ramifications of Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

Reaction across the Middle East against the American president’s move has been unilaterally critical; last week the Saudi Royal Court viewed the recognition “with deep sorrow” and warned of the “dangerous consequences of moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem”.

Saudi Arabia described the decision as an “unjustified and irresponsible step” and said it represents “a bias against rights of Palestinian people” as well as representing “a big step back in efforts to advance the peace process”. It was “a violation of the US Neutral position regarding Jerusalem”.

In Jordan, which used to occupy East Jerusalem until the six-day war in 1967, the reaction was even harsher; the parliament in Amman voted unanimously on Sunday to review its 1994 peace deal with Israel.

Meanwhile the country’s minister of foreign affairs Ayman Safadi announced on Saturday that Jordan would host an “extraordinary” Arab summit to discuss political developments in the light of the US decision.

King Abdullah was also received by a number of princes, ministers and senior officials.