Speech by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan will address a select group of Washington policy-makers on his ideas for promoting a way out of the current crisis in the Middle East. His Majesty King Abdullah has been at the forefront of peacemaking efforts in the region since assuming the Hashemite throne in February 1999, and has led his country’s drive for pluralism and economic development.

His Majesty King Abdullah’s address will inaugurate the new Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings. The Saban Center reflects Brookings commitment to enhance its research and educational activities in a region of vital interest to the United States. In keeping with Brookings commitment to balanced and objective research, the Center’s mission will be to develop innovative policy approaches to the multiple challenges facing the United States in the troubled Middle East.

Dr. Martin Indyk, Brookings Senior Fellow and former Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs and twice U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has been appointed Director.