President Donald Trump welcomed King Abdullah II of Jordan to the White House on Tuesday, where the two participated in a bilateral meeting and briefly discussed diplomatic relations with the press.
“We’ve had a great relationship, he’s a great gentleman, a great leader,” Trump said. “…We’ve had some quick discussions just now and we’re going to have some long discussions after this.”
The topic of the day was peace in the Middle East, and most importantly, the resettlement of the Palestinian people out of the Gaza strip and into other cooperating countries, with Jordan potentially poised to lead the way.
“I truly believe that with all the challenges that we have in the Middle East, I finally see somebody that can take us across the finish line to bring stability and peace [and] prosperity in the region,” the king stated, referring to Trump.
The king said Jordan was committed to working with the United States to help America achieve its goals. He further said that he would assist in transporting around 2,000 cancer-stricken or sick children out of Gaza to recuperate in hospitals.
“That’s a really beautiful gesture,” President Trump said.
Trump also stated that Egypt would soon be bringing a plan to the table to cooperate in this resettlement effort as the United States moves to take control of Gaza, which is the president’s intention.
“With the United States being in control of that piece of land…you’re going to have stability in the Middle East for the first time,” he explained.
The president also portrayed unflinching confidence when he told media that Gaza would not have to be purchased by the United States. “We’re not going to buy anything – we’re going to have it, we’re going to keep it,” he said. “…There’s not going to be any problem and nobody’s going to question it.”
Trump said he envisioned a future Gaza packed with office buildings, hotels, and economic developments that would drive countless jobs to the region and cultivate peace.
He described Gaza as having the potential to be a “diamond” and “tremendous asset” for the Middle East. The president further remained firm that Egypt would provide assistance to relocate the Palestinian people.
One reporter asked Trump how he could possibly lay claim to the “sovereign” territory of the Gaza Strip – on whose authority?
“Under the U.S. authority,” Trump answered. “…This is going to bring stability and peace to the Middle East.”
