September 30, 1985
The President. I have just had a very productive meeting with King Hussein of Jordan. Jordan has
been moving steadily and courageously forward in a search for a peaceful, negotiated settlement
of the conflict in the Middle East. Jordan has not wavered from this course despite terrorist
attacks against its diplomats and its interests abroad and the threat of worse to come. I told His
Majesty in May that he could count on us for the economic and security assistance Jordan would
need to address the risks that it is taking. Indeed, over the summer, the Congress improved an
important package of economic aid for Jordan; but on Friday I notified the Congress that I would
now be proposing a package of defensive arms. And these arms are important in meeting Jordan's
proven defense needs and as evidence that those who seek peace will not be left at the mercy of
those who oppose it.
But peace, not arms, has been the focus of our discussions with our Jordanian friends. And all of
us -- Jordan, the United States, and Israel -- share the same realistic objective: direct negotiations
under appropriate auspices before the end of this year. There are complex and sensitive issues
which must be resolved before actual negotiations can begin, but I believe these issues can be
resolved.
Let me repeat that the United States is dedicated to achieving a just and durable peace between
Israel and all its Arab neighbors. We'll do all that we can to maintain the momentum already
achieved, much of it the result of King Hussein's personal courage and vision. The goal is peace
and stability for Jordan, Israel, and all states in the Middle East. The way to that goal is through
direct negotiations on the basis on U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. The time to
begin is now. I know that His Majesty shares this aim, and I am proud to work with him in this
noble endeavor of peace.
Your Majesty, once again, you have my thanks and the thanks of all our people.
The King. I wish to thank my dear and great friend, President Reagan, for his kind words. I value
his friendship and the longstanding relations which happily exist between our two countries and
which are based on our joint commitment to the common values and principles of liberty,
freedom, equality, and human rights.
I have had a very useful meeting with the President. Our discussions were as frank and honest as
our friendship dictates. I have reiterated to him Jordan's commitment to a negotiated settlement of
the Arab-Israeli conflict within the context of an international conference to implement Security
Council Resolution 242. I repeated to the President what I stated in my address to the United
Nations 3 days ago; namely, Jordan's unwavering position and condemnation of terrorism,
irrespective of its nature and source. Jordan condemns violence and is committed to a peaceful
resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. We are prepared to join all parties in pursuing a negotiated
settlement in an environment free of belligerent and hostile acts.
I have also expressed Jordan's satisfaction with the positive development of our bilateral relations,
especially in the economic and military fields. We endeavor to strengthen our ties and hope to
continue our close cooperation in all areas. I wish you, Mr. President, continued good health,
happiness, and success. And may the Almighty God bless you and grant you strength to lead this
bastion of democracy to ever greater heights.
Thank you, sir.
Note: The President spoke at 10:52 a.m. at the South Portico of the White House. Earlier, the
President and King Hussein met in the Oval Office.