Jordan renews support for Iraq

AMMAN, Jordan, May 28 (UPI) -- King Abdullah of Jordan met with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation with the Arab world.

Abdullah said he renewed his support for security and stability in Iraq and said only a unified Iraqi people could overcome the challenges facing the country, a statement by the government of Jordan said.

Jordan is eager to increase economic, political and commercial ties with Iraq, Abdullah said. The government also said it would consider a request from the Iraqi government to examine a visa system for Iraqi citizens looking to enter Jordan.

Hashimi told the monarch of the positive developments on the security front, noting the Iraqi initiative in recent military operations in Basra, Mosul and Baghdad's Sadr City.

The vice president is in Jordan as part of a regional diplomatic tour. He said he anticipated better relations with the Arab community and urged Jordan to consider opening its embassy in Baghdad.

Hashimi also voiced his appreciation for Jordanian support of Iraqi refugees. Jordan had agreed to accept school-aged children from Iraq into its state-run school system.