Today's Edition
MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (WASHINGTON, DC)
NATO will open a liaison office in Jordan, building on nearly three decades of deep-rooted bilateral relations, particularly through the Mediterranean Dialogue, according to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The office, the first liaison office in the region, will contribute to enhancing relations with the alliance and demonstrates the Alliance's commitment to strengthening cooperation with southern neighbouring countries, he told reporters in a press conference during the NATO Summit.
NATO recognises Jordan's pivotal role in achieving regional and international stability and commends its extensive accomplishments in combating cross-border threats such as terrorism and violent extremism, he said.
“Jordan is a long-standing, highly-valued NATO partner,” he said, stressing that the opening of the office elevates the relationship to a new level.
The decision to open the office, which was announced in the final statement of the NATO Summit in Lithuania in July 2023, marks a milestone in the deep strategic partnership between Jordan and the Alliance.
The office, acting as a representative office, will bring NATO and Jordan closer, by enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation in areas of common interest between the Alliance and Jordan.
“It will enable regular engagement between NATO and the Jordanian authorities, thus contributing to a better shared understanding of the national and regional context, and to the development and implementation of partnership programmes and activities, including, among others, conferences, courses, and training programmes in areas like strategic analysis, civil emergency planning and preparedness, crisis management, public diplomacy, cyber security, and climate change,” a NATO statement said.
The opening of a NATO Liaison Office in Amman is a natural progression of the longstanding relations between NATO and Jordan, which will only continue to grow, the statement indicated, noting that the step builds on nearly three decades of deep-rooted bilateral relations, particularly through the Mediterranean Dialogue that marks its 30th anniversary this year.
