Keir Starmer meets King Abdullah of Jordan at Downing Street

King Abdullah briefly visited the UK while travelling from the US to Jordan

King Abdullah II of Jordan arrives before meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, in London. Getty Images

Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the need to 'restore hope and the viability of peace' in the Middle East conflict as he hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan at Downing Street. AFP

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer greets King Abdullah II of Jordan at 10 Downing Street. Getty Images

Mr Starmer said that it was 'good to have this early opportunity to have this discussion of vital issues of common concern.' Bloomberg

Mr Starmer said he was glad to catch up with the king on his way between visiting the US and travelling home. Bloomberg

A Downing Street official said the leaders agreed that 'securing a ceasefire and ensuring the acceleration of aid into Gaza was the immediate priority'. Getty Images

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted King Abdullah II of Jordan at his Downing Street residence on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Starmer greeted the Jordanian King at the door of No 10 and the two smiled as they shook hands and then posed for photos.

They then went inside and spoke briefly in front of journalists.

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The Prime Minister welcomed King Abdullah to Downing Street and said he was glad to catch up with him on his way between visiting the US and travelling home.

“It’s very good to have this early opportunity to have this discussion of vital issues of common concern," Mr Starmer said.

“We’ve got a long and shared history. We have an excellent co-operation that I think we can build and progress on.”

Mr Starmer updated King Abdullah on the government’s decision to lift the pause on funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, adding that he remained deeply concerned by the trajectory of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The leaders agreed that securing a ceasefire and ensuring the acceleration of aid deliveries to Gaza was the immediate priority. They also discussed the need to restore hope and peace on both sides.

Jordanian state television said the king “emphasised the role of Britain in … efforts to reach a ceasefire in the strip, and bolster the humanitarian response to halt the catastrophe that the Gazans are living”.

Mr Starmer and King Abdullah also spoke about the strong and long-standing security partnership between the UK and Jordan, as well as the opportunities to further technology, energy and education ties.

In a post on X later on Wednesday, Mr Starmer said: “We both agree that securing an immediate ceasefire and increasing aid into Gaza is an immediate priority.

“I look forward to continuing the UK and Jordan’s strong and long-standing security partnership.”