NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and members of the North Atlantic Council affirmed on Wednesday their keenness to strengthen cooperation with Jordan, which is a cornerstone of regional stability.

During meetings with His Majesty King Abdullah, the NATO officials said Jordan has a leading role in bolstering regional stability and countering terrorism and extremism, noting the importance of the Aqaba Meetings in this regard.

They also noted the advanced partnership between Jordan and NATO, describing the Kingdom as an important friend in the Middle East and expressing keenness to listen to King Abdullah’s insight on regional conditions.

During His Majesty’s meeting with Stoltenberg, held at NATO’s headquarters and attended by His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Ghazi, discussions covered Jordan’s cooperation and partnership with NATO in the fields of military and training, as well as prospects to build on joint agreements.

The King thanked NATO for participating in the Aqaba Meetings, which are a series of meetings launched by Jordan to maintain global coordination in the fight against terrorism within a holistic approach.

During a meeting with members of the North Atlantic Council, attended by Secretary General Stoltenberg, discussions covered Jordan’s cooperation with the alliance, as well as a number of issues in the Middle East.

The meeting also addressed the peace process, with His Majesty stressing the need to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the unity of its people while ensuring the safe return of refugees was stressed.

In addition, discussions touched on the major burden on Jordan’s economy due to the Syrian refugee crisis.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Jordan’s Ambassador in Brussels Yousef Bataineh attended the meeting.