Harper kicks off first visit to Jordan; meets with PM, King Abdullah

AMMAN, Jordan – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has arrived in Jordan, where he will meet with the country’s prime minister early Thursday, as well as King Abdullah, during his first visit to the Arab nation.

Harper’s two days in the Muslim kingdom follow a triumphant visit to Israel during which he was treated like royalty by Israeli officials and citizens alike for his unflinching support of the Jewish state.

In Jordan, Harper will also visit the Za’atri refugee camp, which is currently home to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who have fled the ongoing civil war in their country.

Syria is expected to be a key topic of discussion in Harper’s meetings with the Jordanians.

Jordan and Israel have had official diplomatic relations since they signed a peace treaty in 1994. King Abdullah views Israel as a vital regional ally in the Middle East.