King meets North Atlantic Council members

Brussels
14 January 2020

His Majesty King Abdullah, on Tuesday in Brussels, met with members of the North Atlantic Council, who are the ambassadors of NATO country members, and discussed the strategic partnership between Jordan and NATO, and ways of expanding cooperation in military, security, training and counterterrorism fields, in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East.

During the meeting, attended by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, King Abdullah stressed the need to reach a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty stressed that stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved without peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

The meeting covered efforts to reach political solutions to regional crises, as well as regional and international efforts to fight terrorism within a holistic approach.

Members of the North Atlantic Council lauded the King’s wisdom and leadership, stressing that Jordan’s security is integral to Europe’s security.

They expressed the keenness of NATO and its member states to support the Kingdom in its efforts to achieve peace and enhance security and stability in the Middle East and the world.

They also voiced their appreciation for Jordan’s and His Majesty’s leading role in the fight against terrorism, noting the importance of the Aqaba Process meetings in this regard.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, His Majesty's Adviser for Communication and Coordination Bisher Khasawneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador in Brussels Yousef Bataineh attended the meeting.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the King met separately with Canada National Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom Gen. Sir Nick Carter.

Discussions covered bilateral ties and defence cooperation.