In a meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II at the White House, Vice President Joe Biden reaffirmed his support for the legal “status quo” of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
The White House stated that Biden, the king, and Crown Prince Hussein had a private lunch on Thursday. During which Obama “reaffirmed the close, enduring nature of the bond between the United States and Jordan.” In addition, they each phoned Iraq’s prime minister.
Biden underlined “the vital need to preserve the historic status quo” about escalating tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa mosque. Which is located in a location revered by Muslims and Jews in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. He also acknowledged Jordan’s “vital role as guardian of Muslim sacred sites in Jerusalem,” according to a White House statement.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Vice President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ “strong support for a two-state solution” and thanked King Abdullah “for his close partnership and the stabilizing role he and Jordan play in the Middle East.”
The White House said Biden spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani “to underscore the United States’ commitment to Iraq.”
Biden backs legal ‘status quo’ of Al-Aqsa mosque
He praised Sudani’s “efforts to strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty and independence,” according to a statement. He supported Iraq’s “economic policy and steps to guarantee that Iraq’s economy is delivering for its people.”
Biden and Sudani pledged to stop the Islamic State from hurting “the Iraqi people or regional and international security.
According to the White House, King Abdullah was invited to join the call, and he “emphasized Jordan’s support for Iraq. Notably through collaborative strategic infrastructure projects.”
Al-Aqsa mosque is Islam’s third-holiest place and the Temple Mount for Jews.
Non-Muslims are permitted to visit the site at specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there.
In recent years, an increasing number of Jews, the majority of whom are Israeli nationalists, have prayed clandestinely at the compound, which has angered Palestinians. The national security minister of Israel’s new far-right government visited the site in January, provoking a barrage of international outrage.
