In Jordan, Boehner Delegation Discussions Focus on Iranian-Backed Violence, Growing Terrorist Threat

Press Release

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and a delegation of senior lawmakers met with His Majesty King Abdullah II on Sunday during a visit to Jordan where talks focused on Iranian-backed violence in the region and the growing terrorist threat.

King Abdullah hosted the delegation for a luncheon at Beit al-Urdun Palace. Lawmakers also met with U.S. Ambassador Alice Wells, Nasser Judeh, Jordan's Foreign Minister, as well as senior embassy officials.

Discussions focused on two major trends in the region: the violence caused by Iran's allies and proxies, and the spreading of the terrorist threat. There was also shared concern regarding how the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fit in the larger context of the security challenges in the region.

Speaker Boehner, who last met with King Abdullah at the U.S. Capitol in December 2014, issued the following statement on the delegation's visit to Jordan:

"America's ability to lead in the world depends on Jordan's ability to remain a stabilizing force in the Middle East, and we could not ask for a more solid partner. Every issue we addressed -- and there were many -- was underlined by mutual trust and respect. We share the belief that defeating ISIL and stopping the spread of the terrorist threat will require a comprehensive approach. That means, in addition to security responses to the instability and violence, we have to improve our strategies to counter the economic and social drivers of radicalization. King Abdullah is a good friend to the Congress and the American people, and we are grateful to him and his people for welcoming us at such a critical hour."

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