JORDAN TIMES:

US President Barack Obama waves as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House upon his return from Chicago to Washington on Friday (Reuters photo)

AMMAN — US President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Jordan on March 22 as part of his Middle East trip that also includes the West Bank and Israel.

During his two-day visit to Jordan, President Obama is scheduled to hold talks with His Majesty King Abdullah that will focus on bilateral ties and the latest regional developments, according to a Royal Court statement.

Means to enhance strategic relations between the two countries as well as US support of the Kingdom’s comprehensive reform process will top the agenda of the two leaders’ meeting, the statement said.

The King and Obama will also discuss the escalating situation in Syria and the burdens Jordan is carrying due to hosting an increasing number of Syrian refugees, the statement said.

On peace efforts, the King will underline the necessity of reviving peace negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis on the basis of the two-state solution which constitutes the only way to achieve comprehensive peace in the region.

President Obama is also scheduled to visit the ancient city of Petra on Saturday, March 23.