His Majesty King Abdullah II met Wednesday with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, at the NATO headquarters in Brussels and praised the distinguished relationship between the Kingdom and NATO.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the cooperation and strategic partnership between Jordan and NATO in the military, training and security fields, combating terrorism and ways to further develop, in addition to regional and international developments.

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His Majesty praised the distinguished relationship between Jordan and NATO, appreciating the generous support provided by the Alliance to the Kingdom, in the military field and in the face of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Jordan has always been a source of stability in the region," noted Stoltenberg, adding that "Jordan and NATO Allies are working side by side in efforts to combat global terrorism."

Stoltenberg told His Majesty that he is an old, dear friend, who is greatly appreciated by the Alliance.

His Majesty added, "We have had a relationship over the years as you have mentioned, standing shoulder to shoulder with NATO forces around the world, that is not going to change."

King Abdullah II continued, "As we look at the challenges of 2021 into the next couple of years, again we have challenges in our region (...) and I can guarantee that Jordanians will again shoulder the responsibility, shoulder to shoulder with NATO, on many of the challenges that we have."

His Majesty said he looked forward to discuss these challenges with Stoltenberg in greater detail at later stages.

His Majesty said, "As we look forward to the future, I think that the relationship will actually allow us to overcome a lot of the challenges, as we come out of a coronavirus pandemic challenge around the world."

In turn, Stoltenberg welcomed His Majesty, congratulating him on the occasion of the centenary of the establishment of the Jordanian state, noting the Kingdom being a source of stability in the region.

Stoltenberg added, "Jordan is a very close and important partner of NATO, and we have worked together for many many years. Our forces have served together side by side, and Jordanian troops also participate in the NATO response force, so we really value the many contributions Jordan is making to different NATO missions and operations."

He explained that NATO provides support to the Kingdom, including border security assistance and COVID-19 support.

Stoltenberg that NATO will be bolstering support by delivering further protective equipment to the Kingdom.

He noted of the Alliance's appreciation of Jordan's cooperation.

"You have always been a source for stability in the region and we look forward to continue to further deepen our partnership," said Stoltenberg. 

"We also think it is extremely important that Jordan and NATO allies work side by side in the efforts to fight global terrorism,” said Stoltenberg, pointing to the great progress in the international coalition to eradicate Daesh.

He added, "I look forward to our discussions later on today, and to listen to your assessment and analysis of the challenges you face the region, because your understanding and knowledge of the region is really appreciated here at NATO."

The importance of continuing coordination and consultation on various issues of common interest was stressed during the meeting.

The meeting also touched on efforts to reach political solutions to the crises in the region, international efforts to confront the coronavirus pandemic, and the war on terrorism, according to a holistic approach.

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister, King Abdullah II’s Policy Advisor, and the Jordanian Ambassador to Belgium.