Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and his majesty, King Abdullah ii. Thank you very much. Your majesty, thank you for being with us today. Very much appreciated. This is our second meeting since my inauguration, but our first at the white house. Very special place, i can tell you that, ive gotten to know it well. Long hours, very special. Its really an honor to welcome you here today, but before we begin, let me say a few words about recent events. Yesterday, chemical attack a chemical attack that was so horrific in syria against innocent people including women, small children and even beautiful, little babies, their death deaths was an affront to humanity. These heinous actions by the assad regime cannot be tolerated. The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks for that matter. Your majesty, jordanians are known for their Legendary Hospitality and we will do our very best to be equally gracious hosts. Theyre always known, however, i have to say this, for their fighting ability. And you are a great warrior. And we appreciate it. Thank you. The historical ties and close friendship between our two countries dates back three quarters of a century. In that time, the middle east has faced many periods of crisis and unrest. Perhaps never like it is today, however. Through them all, america has looked to jordan as a valued partner and advocate for the values of civilization and a source of stability and hope. I am deeply committed to preserving our strong relationship, which i will, and to strengthening americas longstanding support for jordan. And you do have tremendous support within our country, i can tell you that. As we know, the middle east and the entire world is faced with one of its gravest threats in many, many years. Since the earliest days of the campaign against isis, jordan has been a staunch ally and partner, and we thank you for that. Jordanian Service Members have made tremendous sacrifices in this battle against the enemies of civilization, and i want to thank all of them for their really just incredible courage. So many have been lost, and we pay homage. So many. In King Abdullah, america is blessed with a thoughtful and determined partner. Hes a man who has spent years commanding his countrys special forces. He really knows what being a soldier is, that i can tell you. And he knows how to fight. The king has been a leader in calling for a plan to defeat isis once and for all, and im with you on that. Were both leaders on that, believe me. Thats what wee speak about today and that is what we are going to do. And it will be a shorter fight than a lot of people are thinking about, believe me. Weve made tremendous strides, as we discussed. As you know, we had a very, very fine delegation come over from egypt and also from iraq and they said more has been done in the last six weeks than has been done in years with the Previous Administration and believe me, were going to keep it that way. We will destroy isis and we will protect civilization. We have no choice. We will protect civilization. King abdullah and i also discussed measures to combat the evil and ideology that inspires isis and plagues our planet, in addition, we also acknowledge the vital role that jordan has played in hosting refugees from the conflict in syria. We have Just Announced that the United States will contribute additional funds to jordan for humanitarian assistance. This aid will help countries like jordan host refugees until it is safe for them to return home. The refugees want to return home. I know that from so many other instances, they want to return back to their home. And thats a goal of any responsible refugee policy. Finally, as we discussed, to advance the cause of peace in the middle east, including peace between the israelis and the palestinians, and im working very, very hard on trying to finally create peace between the palestinians and israel, and i think well be successful, i hope to be successful, i can tell you that. The king has been a really tireless advocate for a solut n solution. Hes going to help me with that and help me at the highest level. And we will be consulting with him very closely in the days ahead. King abdullah, i want to take this opportunity to thank you for your partnership, working together, the United States and jordan can help bring peace and stability to the middle east and, in fact, the entire world and we will do that. Thank you very, very much for being with us. Mr. President , thank you for such a kind and warm welcome to the white house. I fondly remember the meetings weve had many years ago, and more recently, several months ago. Youve always been a generous host and have always looked after us. We are very delighted with the way the discussions have gone so far. And were delighted to be here in such a wonderful setting, such a beautiful day, which i think is a tremendous mark of how were going to move into the future. Weve had a very good round of talks today and im looking forward to continuing these discussions later on in our meetings after the press conference. What i do want to say is how much we deeply appreciate the close relations we have with the United States, with you, mr. President , and with the American People. This is a Strategic Partnership that we call and keep very close to our hearts and it is a partnership on so many levels that we will continue, i think, with the frank discussions that we had today, to improve on, as we face the challenges of the future. And im very delighted for your vision, your whole listic approach to the challenges in our region and the dedication of your team in being able to translate your policy into action successfully, hopefully, as we move forward. The challenges we face today are many and not exclusive to my region, as ive just mentioned. They are global, and particularly the threats to global security. Terrorism has no borders, no nationality, no religion. And therefore, joint action with a holistic approach, as i just mentioned, mr. President , is crucial. Im very delighted that you have the vision to be able to move in that direction, and i think that the world will be in a very good place as we move with all these challenges ahead. No doubt, with all the challenges that we face in the world, the role of the u. S. Is key to all the issues that we have around the world, but its not just the fact that we should expect United States to do all the heavy letting. The heavy lifting has to be done by us in the International Community to support the United States in being able to translate that vision into the right direction, so theres a lot of responsibility for all of us in the International Community to support the president , the administration and the American People to bring brighter days to all of us. We are very encouraged with the president s determination to support arab and Muslim States in the fight against terrorism. But it is not only the fight of terrorism inside of our societies, but we as Arab Muslim States standing behind the International Community in being able to defeat this international scourge. In syria, we need a political solution that ends the conflict in the country and preserve its unity. As the president mentioned, the issue we discussed with the Israeli Palestinian conflict, which is, essentially, the core conflict in our region, and the president s early engagement is beginning in bringing the palestinians and israelis together has been a very encouraging sign for all of us and i think, sir, it was that initiative that allowed us at the arab summit last week to extend through the Arab Peace Initiative the message of peace to israel, which we will hopefully Work Together to make that come about. All arab countries relaunched the Arab Peace Initiative, as i said, last week, it offers a historic rekconciliation betwee the palestinians and israelis. It is the most comprehensive framework for lasting peace and ensures statehood for the palestinians and acceptance with normal ties for the israelis. So, we appreciate your commitment in all these issues, where others have failed. Youll find a strong ally in jordan in supporting you and all your policies and if i may just say, as you have on syria and the gas attack, unfortunately, as you and i both agree, this is another testament to the failure of the international dip phone si to find a solution to this crisi crisis. I believe understood your relationship, well be able to unravel this very complicated situation. This has been going on for seven years now, has descended into proxy wars. But at the end of the day, as you pointed out, mr. President , civilians, women and children, that are paying the heaviest price. This is happening on our watch, on our conscience, as well as the Global Community and i know the passion and emotion that the president has expressed in how this should not be tolerated whatsoever and this threshold of inhumanity and savagery that are being crossed every day is something that i know the president will not allow to happen wherever it may be and i fully support and endorse the president on this issue. So, i want to thank you, sir, because you have the outlook of looking not just at the syrian challenges, of iraq, israel, palestine, everything in our region. Your message to all of us is a message of hope and thats what i take away from this conference and i thank you for all that you have done so far and all that you will be, sir. All right, well take a few questions. Julie pace . Thank you, sir. I have questions on syria for both leaders, but if i could start with you, mr. President. Youve condemned the Chemical Attacks in syria but you appeared in your statement yesterday to pin some of the blame on the 0 bam many administration. You are the president now, do you feel like you bear responsibility for responding to the Chemical Attacks and does the chemical attack cross a red line for you . Well, i think the Obama Administration had a great opportunity to solve this crisis a long time ago when he said the red line in the sand, and when he didnt cross that line after making the threat, i think that set us back a long ways, not only in syria, but in many other parts of the world, because it was a blank threat. I think it was something that was not one of our better dales as a country, so, i do feel that, julie, i feel it very strongly. Do you feel like now you have the responsibility to respond to the chemical attack . I now have responsibility, and i will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly, i will tell you that. It is now my responsibility. It was a great opportunity mi missed. As you know, ill be meeting with the president of china very soon in florida, and thats another responsibility we have, and thats called the country of north korea. We have a big problem. We have somebody that is not doing the right thing. And thats going to be my responsibility. But ill tell you, that responsibility could have been made a lot easier if it was handled years ago. Before i move onto the king, could i quickly ask you if the chemical attack rosses a red line for you . Ah, it crossed a lot of lines for you. When you kill innocent children, innocent babies babies, little babies, with a chemical gas that is so lethal, people were shocked to hear what gas it was, that crosses many, many lines, beyond a red line. Many, many lines. Thank you very much. And your majesty, if i could ask about refugees, your t countrys really borne the burden. The president has signed travel bans that would block syrians from coming to the u. S. If that goes into effect, what would the impact on your country and across the region be . Well, i think as the president pointed out, most, if not all Syrian Refugees actually want to go back to syria. And were working with the United States and the International Community is to be able to stabilize the refugees in our country, give them the tools so that as were working with the solutions in syria, we have the ability to be able to send them back as positive influence into their economies. And, again, the president and the europeans are being very forward leading in being able to look after our community. Tremendous burden on our country, but tremendous appreciation to the ice and tun states and the western countries in dealing with that. Your majesty, how does the outcome of the recent arab summit help the u. S. And its policy to advance palestinian israeli negotiations . Well, as id said, the Arab Peace Initiative came out with a resounding resolution to offer peace to the israelis, to make them feel that theyre accepted into the neighborhood. And to be able to support the president as he brings both parties together, and again, i have to remind people that very early on, there was an early engagement by the president and his team to the israelis and the palestinians to be able president and his team to the israelis and the palestinians to be able to see what he can do to bring them together. It is the core skon conflict for a lot of us in the region. The president knows this. He has his intinchts in the right place had the the air robz rabs are prepared to did whatever they can to bring the israelis and palestinians together under the leadership the president. Thank you. John yang. Thank you mr. President. Id like to follow up on julies question, pressed you a little more on syria. How will you distinguish your policy and your as on syria from the inaction that you criticized of the Previous Administration . You say its now your responsibility. What shouldaway see or what should we look for that would be different . And your majesty, id like to ask you what gives thank you is now your second meeting with the president , what gives the optimism that mr. Trump will succeed in the Israeli Palestinian conflict where so many others have failed before him to be a broker for peace . I like to think of myself as a very flexible person. I dont have to have one specific way and if the world changes i go the same way. I dont change. Well, i do change. And i am flexible and im proud of that flexibility. And i will tell you that attack on children yesterday had a big impact on me. Big impact. That was a horrible, horrible thing and ive been watching it and seeing it and it doesnt get any worse than that. And i have that flexibility and its very, very possible and i will tell you its already happened that my attitude toward syria and assad has changed very much. And if you look back over the last few weeks, there were other attacks using gas, youre now talking about a whole different level. So as you know, i would love to have never been in the middle east, i would loved to have never seen that whole big situation start. But once it started, we got out the wrong way and isis formed in the vacuum and lots of bad things happened. I will tell you what happened yesterday is unacceptable to me. I can follow up, sir . Last year you seemed to be reluctant to get involved or to intervene in syria directly. Is that one thing thats changed after yesterday . Well, one of the things i think youve noticed about me is militarily i dont like to say where im going and what im doing. And i watched past administrations say we will attack at such and such a day at such and such an hour. And you being a warrior, would you say why are they saying that and im sure you sat back and you said, why are they saying that . I watched mosul where the past administration was saying, we will be attacking in four months. And i said, why are they doing that . Then a month goes by and they say, we will be attacking in three months. And then two months, and then we will be attacking next week. And im saying, why are they doing that . And, as you know, mosul turned out to be a much harder fight than anyone thought and a lot of people have been lost in that fight. Im not saying im doing anything one way or the other, but im certainly not going to be telling you, as much as i respect you, john. Thank you. Sir, i think on behalf of the president , what i saw was an early engagement by the president and his team with all of us in the region about the challenges between the israelis and palestinians. I had the honor of seeing the president and his team again in january where this was discussed. The president understands the nuances and the challenges. I think he has the cure rajtd dedication to be able to do this. Like i said before, all of us have a responsibility to help the president push this towards the finish line. And so his team has been in the region, theyve been talking to all the partners, and it is our job to facilitate the atmospherics between israelis and palestinians to move together and give the support to the president to be able to smooth the edges over between israelis and palestinians to achieve this. And the president understand fds we dont solve this problem, how are we going to win the global fight against terrorism which is his number one priority. This is a core issue that he understands and i think he has the commitment and he has my full support for this as he does from many, many countries in our region. I have to just say that the world say mess. I inherited a mess. Whether its the middle east, whether its north korea, whether its so many other things, whether its in our country horrible trade deals, i inherited a mess. Were going to fix it. Were going to fix it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, your majesty you touched on the subject now but if i asked to you look forward, how do you see the future of fighting terrorism, especially the role that jordan will play in the eastern part of iraq and you believe the real battle will start then and if i may, mr. President , you know very well that the Iranian Mission in hezbollah has been will you go after hezbollah, what message will you give them today and will you work with the russians to ground the Syrian Air Force and to establish safe zones . Thank you. Well, the first part is that were seeing a very recently tremendous gains on the ground in raqqa and mosul. Again, i think as the president alluded to, its difficult to put timelines on this issue because the battle pace is always very fluid. But i think that the war is being won on the ground. Having said that, terrorists are on the mover. Theyll be on the move inside of iraq and syria so that we have to make sure that we adapt our plans accordingly and they move beyond borders beyond our region and elsewhere. So as we and the administration have discussed, its this whole listic approach, how do we fight them wherever they are. I think that is the understanding. Terrorists have no respect for borders and religions and people. So its the seriousness of how we do this whole listic approach that ive said many times. And what im understanding of the president and the administration of how to deal with this globally and youre seeing a move in the right direction because the policy now is being charted out and my discussions with the defense secretary and the foreign secretary allows us to be, then, able to decide how we adapt ourselves in the region to be able to come in line with international diplomacy. The iran deal made by the Previous Administration is one of the worst deals i have ever witnessed, and ive witd some beauties. Its one of the worst deals ive ever witnessed. It should never have been made. It was totally one sided against the United States and, frankly, against much of the middle east. I will do whatever i have to do. They have a deal, it was some people say not done properly even in the form of its finalization. There was no vote from congress, there was no real ratification. But i will do swla do with respect to the iran deal. As far as isis is concerned, the United States will work with whoever is appropriate to work with to totally eradicate isis and other terrorists. And, by the way, isis is one group, but others have formed. Frankly, theyre all over the place. We will do what we have to do to eradicate terrorism. But, sir, im talking about the iranian militias in syria, supporting the Syrian Regime separated the nuclear deal. What message do you have for them today . You will see. They will have a message. You will see what the message will be, okay. Thank you. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Thank you. Cspan where history unfolds daily. In 1979, cspan was created as a Public Service by americas Cable Television companies and is brought to you today by your cable or satellite provider. Next remarks from irs and efforts his agency has made to better meet tax payer needs for filing taxes. After his comments mr. Soduring the 2016 campaign. This is an hour. Afternoon and welcome to the press club where news happens here in the nations capital. With i served as the 1