To ensure Arab countries’ peace

His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Bahrain for talks with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa has to be seen in the context of Jordan’s continuous efforts to bolster relations with brethren Arab countries, be they part of the immediate region, North Africa or the Gulf Cooperation Council.

King Abdullah has made several working visits to regional countries, discussing with their leaders bilateral ties and ways to boost them, but also the new threats and dangers posed by extremism and radicalism to the region, most notably, the Islamic State, which has made worrisome gains in Iraq and Syria.

Since these dangers cannot be expected to stop at the borders of Iraq and Syria, pre-emptive measures and policies have to be undertaken by the rest of the countries in the region to check IS advances.

The talks in Manama were described by a Royal Court statement as a determined attempt to “safeguard the peace and stability of the region and its peoples”, a clear confirmation of the fact that Jordan, together with other Arab countries, work towards ensuring their safety and stability.

Relations between Amman and Manama have reached an “advanced level”, providing a model for similar bilateral and regional relations.

King Abdullah briefed King Hamad on his recent visit to the US for talks with President Barack Obama, and the Bahraini king informed him about the outcome of the recent GCC summit and its implications on peace and security in the area.

Efforts to promote peace and security in the Arab world are the primary goal of Jordan and Bahrain, and King Abdullah’s visit is proof of the seriousness with which the issue is being treated.

Only coordinated collaboration among Arab countries can ensure that the threat posed by extremists is stemmed. 

Jordan is taking the lead in ensuring that.