King discusses Jordan-US military cooperation with House committee

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received a delegation from the US House Armed Services Committee, led by Representative John Garamendi (D-California).

The meeting, attended by HRH Prince Feisal, covered the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, as well as the means to bolster military and defence cooperation, a Royal Court statement said.

Discussions also addressed current regional developments, with King Abdullah stressing the importance of stepping up international efforts to reach peace and bolster security and stability in the region.

The meeting touched on regional and international efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach, and Jordan-US cooperation in this regard, according to the statement.

Turning to the peace process, His Majesty called for ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He called for reaching just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Members of the US House Armed Services Committee commended Jordan’s role in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region, the statement added.

They also lauded the advanced capabilities and professionalism of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, which have enabled Jordan to keep its borders secure amidst regional conditions.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat and Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas attended the meeting.

Also on Sunday, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with the delegates over Jordanian-US relations and the latest developments in efforts exerted to solve regional crises and realising security and stability, a Foreign Ministry statement said. 

Safadi and the delegates stressed the “deep-rooted” ties between Amman and Washington and highlighted the importance of further developing them at all levels.

The minister praised the US’ support to Jordan and its efforts to assist the Kingdom in bearing the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influx, the statement said. 

For their part, the US Congress members stressed the significance of the Jordanian role and His Majesty’s efforts in enhancing regional security and stability.