King Abdullah II of Jordan. Photo: Michele Tantussi/Getty Images
President Biden will host King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House on July 19, the White House announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: Abdullah's visit is Biden's first meeting with an Arab leader at the White House since taking office, according to a palace statement.
- "His Majesty’s visit will highlight the enduring and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan, a key security partner and ally of the United States," the White House said in a statement.
- The visit "will be an opportunity to discuss the many challenges facing the Middle East and showcase Jordan’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the region," the statement further reads.
State of play: Abdullah is expected to lobby for aid for Jordan, a longtime U.S ally. Abdullah opposed former President Trump's policies on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and he's welcomed the Biden administration's plans to reinstate funding for Palestinian refugees and to hospitals in East Jerusalem.
Go deeper: Biden’s arrival pushes Jordan toward political reform