Saudi Arabia’s King Salman is in Jordan this week for the annual Arab Summit, a meeting between Arab states on Wednesday to “achieve cooperation and solidarity” toward shared regional challenges.
Image via Xinhua.net
King Salman arrived early to meet directly with his Jordanian counterpart, King Abdullah II, and announce several agreements to boost cooperation and bilateral ties, including an agreement for a $3 billion company that will make investments inside Jordan. However, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has failed to renew a five-year, $5 billion aid package to Jordan adopted during in 2011. The grant expired at the end of 2016, and there are no signs that the GCC is planning to extend it, according to Al Monitor.
The two kingdoms share a sizable 454 mile (731 km) border and have enjoyed warm relations. Upon arrival to Jordan, King Salman rode with King Abdullah II in a vintage, tan Mercedes Benz convertible. King Salman and King Abdullah II also observed a military parade in Amman.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has been noticeably active and visible on the international stage in 2017, following a lengthy tour of Asian nations lasting a month. While in Jordan, the King also met directly with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
King Salman and President Sisi in Jordan.
