AMMAN: Jordan's King Abdallah on Sunday assured Iraqi President Jalal Talabani of Jordan's full support for efforts that seek to re-establish stability and security in the violence-torn neighboring country.
"The king reaffirmed Jordan's full support for their Iraqi brethren in their endeavors to maintain Iraq's security and stability, which is a cornerstone for stability in the region," a royal court statement said.
Talabani made a surprise visit to Jordan, which stirred speculation among observers that he sought the monarch's backing to defuse the current political crisis emanating from disagreement to form a new Iraqi government after the March elections.
Jordan maintains close ties with Iraqi Sunni leaders and former Shiite Prime Minister Iyad Allawi who formed the Iraqiya Bloc.
The Sunni-Shiite alliance clinched the largest number of seats in the newly elected Iraqi Parliament among various blocs and as such stuck to its right to form the new government.
Iran-backed Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki has so far insisted on the right of his State of Law party to lead the new government, depending on support from other Shiite and Kurdish lawmakers.
Abdallah and Talabani also discussed latest developments in the Middle East and stressed the need for coming up with "pan-Arab attitudes for addressing common challenges," the statement said.
The two leaders voiced keenness on boosting bilateral cooperation particularly in the trade and economic fields.
