WASHINGTON:  White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that  US President Joe Biden will host King Abdullah II of Jordan on July 19.

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 US," Psaki said in a statement on Wednesday,  as reported by the Xinhua news.  "It 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," Jen Psaki added.

King Abdullah II will be the first Arab leader to visit the White House since Biden took office.  Abdullah is expected to lobby for aid for Jordan, a long-time 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.

The Biden administration voiced support for his leadership during a royal rift in April.

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