ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak met with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the importance of Jerusalem as the holy city of Muslims and relations between both countries.

Bernama reported that the meeting took place during the Extra­ordinary Summit of the Organisa­tion of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday.

Najib said during the 25-minute meeting, King Abdullah voiced his concerns over the unilateral action by the United States to recognise Jerusalem, which Muslims call Al-Quds Al-Sharif, as the capital of Israel.

“King Abdullah stressed that Muslims need to be wise in addressing the issue as it may be misinterpreted by the international community and tarnish the image of Muslims.

“He said Muslims should always choose peace and reconciliation during negotiations so as not to be associated with extremist groups,” he told Malaysian journalists after attending the summit.

King Abdullah also hoped relations between Malaysia and Jordan could be enhanced through bilateral meetings and trade.

The summit was held to discuss implications of the unilateral move by the United States and its decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

Najib said OIC members that participated in the summit wanted the United Nations to move resolutions on the issue.

He added that these countries had stated their readiness to raise the issue with the United Nations General Assembly if its Security Council failed to act.

Najib said the OIC had stated its continued support for the people of Palestine and their efforts to form an independent nation based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

“The OIC also strongly condemned the unilateral action by the United States.

“Peace will only come in Palestine when Israel ceases to occupy its lands. The OIC also recognises East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and urges other countries to recognise Palestine,” said Najib.

He added that the summit was timely, with good response with the presence of many leaders from Islamic countries.

“Despite the short notice, the good response and strong support displayed by leaders on the struggle of the Palestinians in fighting for their rights for a sovereign state should be praised,” he said.

Najib said he had also voiced the concerns of Malaysians.

The Prime Minister also hoped the United States would withdraw its decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and work towards facilitating peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

On relations with the United States, Najib said Malaysia could differentiate between what was beneficial and what was not.

“We cannot reject American investors because of this decision by the Trump administration. But on the matter of Jerusalem, we cannot accept the decision by this administration,” he added.

The Prime Minister also hoped that the United States could assist the peace process, firstly by withdrawing the decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city and secondly, by getting involved with both countries in line with the two-state solution.

Najib said that during the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held before the extraordinary summit, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman stressed that the US administration’s decision had an impact on the peace process in the Middle East, thus provoking anger among Muslims worldwide, as well as the world at large.

“I have spoken out on the inner voice of Malaysians and Malaysia’s stand is clear and firm,” he said.

“Malaysia’s hope is that the issue is dealt with in unity and solidarity of Muslims. We must also act wisely ... in this matter, we will not compromise as Jerusalem is a holy place.” — Bernama