King meets US commander over military cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah met on Wednesday with Commander of the US Central Command Gen. Lloyd Austin to discuss military cooperation and regional updates, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The meeting was attended by King’s Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben and US Ambassador to Jordan Alice G. Wells.

Zaben met separately with Austin to discuss bilateral military cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

Also on Wednesday, His Majesty met with President of the Jordanian-French Parliamentary Friendship Committee Christine Kamerman to discuss continued Israeli aggression, the Syrian crisis and bilateral relations.

During the meeting, the King and the French lawmaker reviewed recent regional and international developments, especially in relation to Syria and the fight against terrorism, a Royal Court statement said. 

Both agreed that a comprehensive strategy is required to address these challenges.

The King highlighted the depth of relations between the two nations, expressing interest in boosting ties in various fields, especially in the water, energy and education sectors.

They also discussed Jordan’s role in defending Jerusalem and its Muslim and Christian holy sites in accordance with His Majesty’s historic role as the Hashemite custodian of these shrines.

Kamerman and her accompanying delegation commended His Majesty’s efforts to enhance bilateral relations and Jordan’s role in maintaining stability and security in the Middle East. 

The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan.