King meets US defence secretary, reaffirms mutual keenness with US on enhancing regional stability

Washington, DC — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed that Jordan and the United States’ shared keenness to enhance regional stability is a key pillar in their strategic partnership.

At a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held at the Pentagon, King Abdullah warned against the continuous cycle of violence in the Palestinian Territories, especially in light of unilateral Israeli measures, stressing that the repercussions would be damaging to regional security and stability.

In remarks to the media ahead of his meeting with Secretary Austin, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, His Majesty said, “the relationship between our two nations has been an enduring one for many, decades, but specifically between our armed forces”.

The King noted that his visit to Washington, DC, seeks to enhance cooperation with “our American friends”, adding that “as we look to the challenges of the region and the future, we know that we will be standing next to each other more and more. And that gives me tremendous hope.”

His Majesty said countries in the region look forward to cooperating with the United States in bringing stakeholders together to address multiple challenges, including the rise of terrorism that has had two years to incubate and increase during the pandemic, in addition to challenges resulting from the crisis between Ukraine and Russia, and its regional implications.

For his part, Secretary Austin said, “Jordan is a valued leader in a difficult neighbourhood and a powerful partner for stability and security in the region,” adding that the longstanding partnership and friendship with Jordan is more important than ever, due to the threats the two countries face.

Austin stressed the United States’ keenness on bolstering its partnership with Jordan, and expanding it in several fields, adding, “I look forward to our discussion and to finding ways to deepening this great partnership”.

The US secretary of defence also commended Jordan’s efforts and commitment in the fight against Daesh, and its support for the two-state solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in addition to supporting the security of the Palestinian people, and promoting stability in Lebanon and Iraq.

He expressed the United States’ concern over the latest escalation and violence in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, commending His Majesty’s “critical role” in de-escalating tensions, and noting that the US looks to work with Jordan towards security, stability and just peace for the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Washington, DC, Dina Kawar attended the meeting.

From the US side, Chairman of the Joint chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley and a number of senior officials attended the meeting.