Newly uncovered documents from a secret meeting in November 1993 between then-Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and King Hussein of Jordan reveal the foundational discussions that paved the way for the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation shared this significant information on the tenth anniversary of Peres’s death, shedding light on a critical moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Significance of the Secluded Meeting
The documents emerged on the same day that a memorial ceremony for Peres was held, along with the naming of the Jerusalem International Convention Center in his honor. These records include minutes from a highly confidential meeting that took place at the royal palace in Amman. To ensure secrecy, even Peres’s appearance was altered to prevent identification, highlighting the sensitive nature of their discussions.
The Peres Center describes this exchange as a “testament for peace,” revealing the leaders’ commitment to transforming the region. King Hussein expressed a strong sense of urgency, believing he had a limited window of opportunity to secure a peace agreement. He famously declared, “Perhaps I have only a year or two left; I will put everything on the line.”
Setting the Stage for Cooperation
According to the newly released documents, the Jordanian royal palace received a communication on October 26, 1993, indicating King Hussein’s desire to meet with Peres. Hussein regarded Peres as an innovative thinker and was eager to hold discreet talks aimed at furthering the initial contacts that would eventually lead to the peace agreement signed in 1994.
The meeting did not arise in isolation. It was built upon years of clandestine interactions between Israel and King Hussein. Peres had previously attempted to broker agreements, including the 1987 London Agreement, underscoring the historical context of their discussions. A week after receiving the request for the meeting, the two leaders met under strict confidentiality.
During their conversations, King Hussein assured Peres of the ongoing partnership between their nations, emphasizing a dynamic relationship open to creative solutions. He spoke about a shared vision of economic cooperation, outlining projects that could serve as a springboard for future agreements. This included ideas for joint infrastructure, shared transportation, and regional initiatives.
A Legacy of Urgency and Hope
The minutes from their exchange indicate that both leaders were acutely aware of the limited time they had to effect change. Peres reiterated that he was working closely with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to address the challenges of the moment, stating their collective sense of urgency to “pull the wagon of peace together.” King Hussein mirrored this sentiment, insisting that they “must not lose momentum” in pursuing peace.
The discussions were deeply personal, culminating in Hussein referencing the tragic assassination of his grandfather, King Abdullah I, and his desire to leave behind a legacy of peace. “When the gaps narrow, the fears will fade, hopes will grow for all the children of Abraham,” he stated, indicating that time was ripe for impactful change.
According to the Peres Center, the clandestine meeting led to a memorandum of understanding that night, which set the stage for the signing of the peace treaty less than a year later, in October 1994. The efforts of Peres and Hussein became fundamental to Israel’s diplomatic relations in the region, enduring through various crises over the decades.
In reflecting on the significance of this historic meeting, Chemi Peres, chairman of the Peres Center, noted the vision that drove these leaders to confront their circumstances. The released documents serve not just as a record of past dealings but as a powerful reminder of the enduring principles of hope and determination that can guide future diplomatic efforts in the region.