Mattis Reaffirms US Support for Jordan in Meeting with King Abdullah

King Abdullah on Monday discussed with US Secretary of Defence James Mattis the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, attended by Prince Feisal, the King and Mattis discussed military cooperation between the two countries and the US support to Jordan in this field.

The discussions also touched on the current regional situation, especially the Syrian crisis and developments in Iraq and progress in the war against Daesh, in addition to the de-escalations zones in Syria and the military operations in Raqqa, set up as a result of Jordan-US-Russia cooperation. King Abdullah and Mattis underlined the relative stability in these zones.

They also outlined the economic, social, and security repercussions of hosting Syrian refugees in the Kingdom.

For his part, Mattis stressed the US administration’s continued support to Jordan, highlighting its keenness to increase aid to the Kingdom as it rises to face the multiple challenges.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, National Policies Council Rapporteur Abdullah Wreikat, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan and the US delegation attended the meeting.

Freihat met separately with Mattis and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Prince Feisal, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The visiting minister was given an official reception where he reviewed the honour guard.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional and international developments as well as prospects of further cooperation and coordination on a number of issues that are related to armed forces.