Jordan, US discuss defence ties, region

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with US Undersecretary of Defence for Policy John C. Rood and Gen. Joseph Votel, commander of the US Central Command, and reviewed strategic partnership ties between the Kingdom and the US, along with the latest regional developments.

Discussions at the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, covered means to develop bilateral cooperation, especially at the military and defence levels, as well as regional and international efforts in the war against terrorism within a holistic approach, according to a Royal Court statement.

Talks also addressed crises in the Middle East and endeavours to reach political solutions to them, in a way that restores stability to the region and its peoples.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi also met with Rood and discussed with him and the delegates bilateral relations and means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries and regional developments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The two officials stressed the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination over efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was due to arrive in the Kingdom late Wednesday for
an official visit.

She is scheduled to hold talks with His Majesty King Abdullah on bilateral relations and regional and international developments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The German Chancellor is expected to be accompanied by a delegation of German parliamentarians and businesspeople.