Mulki, Dutch defence minister discuss defence ties

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Hani Mulki and Dutch Minister of Defence Ank Bijleveld on Thursday discussed Jordanian-Dutch ties and means to boost cooperation, especially in the military field. 

Mulki and Bijleveld also went over political and security conditions in the Middle East, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Mulki said that regional conflicts have necessitated that the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army stay fully prepared to secure the Kingdom's borders against threats of terrorist organisations.

He highlighted the importance of fighting the roots of terrorism and extremism, stressing that reaching a just solution to the Palestinian issue, achieving economic and social development, and enhancing democracy and the rule of law are the guarantors to the stability of the region that prevent the emergence of new terror groups.

The premier reiterated that Jerusalem is a core regional cause of not only the Arabs, but also Muslims and Christians across the world, noting that the future of the holy city can only be determined through the final-status negotiations.

In this regard, Mulki said that the US decision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is a grave development that contradicts the international law, threatens regional stability and security and undermines efforts aimed at resuming the Middle East peace process.

For her part, Bijleveld expressed her country’s appreciation of the important role of Jordan in supporting endeavours aimed at realising regional peace and security.

She also voiced her country’s appreciation for Jordan’s role in handling the repercussions of the Syrian crisis and receiving refugees. She pointed out the assistance The Netherlands has extended to the Kingdom to help it shoulder the burdens of the refugee crisis and support host communities.