SYRIA: KING ABDULLAH OF JORDAN MEETS HAFEZ ASSAD

(21 Apr 1999) Arabic/Nat

King Abdullah of Jordan flew to Syria on Wednesday for talks with Syrian President Hafez Assad.

The meeting signals an end to the estrangement that began when Abdullah's late father, King Hussein, made peace with Israel in 1994.

This visit to Syria is part of a tour to muster support for Abdullah, who ascended to the throne following the death of Hussein in February.

King Abdullah arrived in Syria on Wednesday, and was greeted by Syrian President Assad in a ceremony that featured a 21-gun salute.

Jordanian Information Minister Nasser Lawzi described the visit as part of an effort to open up and improve ties with the Arab countries.

Syria is arguably the most crucial stop on Abdullah's tour, which has so far taken him to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Libya.

Assad's government has bitterly criticized Jordan for breaking Arab ranks to cut a separate peace deal with Israel and normalize relations with the Jewish state.

Only last year, Syria accused Jordan of being a puppet to the Zionists.

However, the Syrian president is displaying rare support for Jordan under Abdullah, who ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Hussein, in February.

Assad recently described Abdullah as a dear son, and said that his government stands strongly by Jordan.

This recent show of support comes after signs that Jordan is cooling toward the hard-line administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the ceremony, the two leaders began official talks at Tishreen Palace.

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