US Assistant Secretary of Defence stresses cooperation with Jordan

AMMAN — The US views Jordan as a key and strategic partner in the region, US Assistant Secretary of Defence Celeste Wallander said on Tuesday, emphasising that the US-Jordan defence relationship is built on years of extensive cooperation. 

During an interview with Jordan TV, Wallander  said that annual joint drills serve as a prime example of this, and noted that these exercises are one of the reasons for her visit to Jordan.

Wallander further emphasised that the partnership with Jordan aims to enhance the institutional capacity of the Jordanian Armed Forces and empower their military capabilities.

Enhancing military capabilities through joint exercises, manoeuvres, and joint operations helps strengthen collective security and reinforce Jordan's pivotal role in regional security, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

When asked about Jordan's role in a region overwhelmed by multiple crises, she expressed her country’s pride in working with its strategic partner Jordan.

The US fully recognises the pressing security and regional challenges faced by the Kingdom, such as securing borders, combating all forms of smuggling, and addressing the regional challenge posed by the presence of the Daesh terror organisation, as well as recent disruptive activities by Iran, which undermine regional security, she noted.

She added that partnership with the Jordanian Armed Forces underscores the imperative of enabling and supporting this collaboration across various domains. “This will enable us to overcome the challenges that the Kingdom faces, which ultimately pose a security challenge to the American people,” she added.

Regarding the partnership with Jordan in international antiterrorism efforts, Wallander expressed gratitude to Jordan, noting that Jordan has been and continues to be a steadfast partner. 

Jordan's cooperation extends not only to US armed forces but also to numerous regional and international partners, she said, stressing that Jordan is “a reliable partner”, as it adopts a forward-thinking approach.

She highlighted that Jordan, through its active role, has demonstrated to the international community its status as a strategic partner.

Wallander emphasised that the Jordanian-American relationship is built on mutual respect and trust between leaders and individuals from both sides. 

The regular joint military exercises are conducted within specialised military training programmes, facilitating a strong mutual understanding. 

This allows an effective response to the crisis in Syria and helps address Jordan's domestic challenges, she said.

She also commended Jordan's role in improving the lives of people in other nations.