Bush, Jordan”s King Abdullah to Discuss Lebanon Situation in March

U.S. President George Bush and Jordan”s King Abdullah II are to meet at the White House on March 4 for talks expected to center on Middle East peace efforts and Lebanon”s political crisis, a spokeswoman said Monday.

“The president looks forward to discussing with the king the bilateral relationship between the United States and Jordan, Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, the situation in Lebanon, and other regional issues,” said spokeswoman Dana Perino.

 

After their talks, the two leaders along with First Lady Laura Bush and Queen Rania were to have a private lunch, Perino said.

 

Jordan is a key ally of the United States and considered by Washington to be an influential partner in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

 

While in the United States, the Jordanian king will also hold talks with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, address Princeton University on regional challenges, and meet with Muslim and Jewish leaders, the royal palace said.