Welcoming His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to the European Parliament, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that Europe is grateful to Jordan's commitment to stability and peace in the Middle East, and that we will keep strengthening our cooperation as we work to reduce tensions and push for peace.
Good afternoon, dear colleagues,
It is an honour to welcome His Majesty, King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan back to the European Parliament.
Your Majesty, this is not the first time you address this House - and each time, your inspiring words have left a lasting impact on all who listened.
We are grateful that every time it feels that the world is at an inflection point, leaders like Your Majesty are able to come here and outline a way forward for our common humanity.
Ten years ago, in the midst of the horror inflicted by Daesh, I was here when you said: “Our world faces an assault by terrorists with ruthless ambition. The motive is not faith, it is power; power pursued by ripping countries and communities apart in sectarian conflicts, and inflicting suffering across the world.” Your words echoed through this House and beyond. And the urgency of our shared responsibility against the threat of extremism has only since grown.
Five years ago, as the globe faced further crises, you were here to remind us all that a life spent in the service of others is a life fully lived - but only if we meet the expectations of the people we represent.
Words that mattered then to us all and that ring true still today.
Your Majesty, on behalf of this House, I want to commend you and your great country for its commitment to stability and peace in the Middle East. We appreciate Jordan’s critical efforts in reducing regional tensions, in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, in supporting the West Bank, in all you have done for the sick, in the need for the return of hostages, for facilitating so much urgently needed humanitarian aid to those who so desperately need it, and for your unwavering support for Palestinian and Syrian refugees and a two-State solution as a path to lasting peace.
The G7 has reiterated this week that Iran should not have a nuclear bomb, and with what we witnessed between Israel and Iran in recent days and its potential spill-over effects, Jordan’s role has become even more vital. These challenges call for stronger ties and a renewed relationship between Europe and the Middle East as we push for broad de-escalation.
Your Majesty, Jordan is not only a great friend to this Parliament but an important partner for the European Union. We welcome the EU - Jordan Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership that was signed earlier this year. It represents an important political milestone in our bilateral relations and reflects our shared commitment towards regional stability and economic cooperation.
In this Parliament, we look forward to further building on it. On values. On market access. On trade. Because while our people may come from different countries as you see before you - they may carry different histories and hold different perspectives - ultimately, they all want the same things. They want peace. They want to feel safe. They want a fair chance to succeed. The same aspirations that our partnership aims to secure.
Your Majesty, it is my true and great pleasure to inform you that the floor is now yours.