LONDON: King Abdullah praised Europe on Monday for the solidarity it has shown with Jordan and Arab Gulf states.

Speaking during a teleconference with leaders from Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Armenia, he emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation to protect civilians and ensure calm.

Other participants included Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East following the US and Israel strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks against several countries in the region.

King Abdullah warned of the danger of the conflict spreading to stable Arab countries and emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to ease regional tensions, the Jordan News Agency reported.

He commended efforts by the Iraqi government to deescalate and mitigate tensions in the region, and warned against Israeli escalations in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.

He also affirmed the continuing support of Jordan for the Lebanese people in their efforts to maintain security, stability and sovereignty.