Jordan, Singapore discuss military cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty Abdullah on Wednesday discussed with Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen means to boost cooperation between Jordan and Singapore, mainly in the military field, as well as the latest developments in the region. 

The King and the Singaporean minister stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts aimed at fighting terrorism within a holistic strategy, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty warned against Islamophobia, which, he said, plays in the hands of extremists, who invest in such fears to promote their terrorist agendas. 

Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat and the King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan attended the meeting along with the delegation accompanying the Singaporean minister that comprised senior officials.

Also on Wednesday, Prime Minister Hani Mulki met with Ng over means to boost cooperation between both countries at all levels and exchange expertise, especially in the defence field, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Mulki briefed the Singaporean minister on the challenges facing Jordan as a result of the Syrian crisis and its economic and social repercussions, as well as the border closures that limited the capability of national products to reach Turkey and eastern European countries.

In this regard, the premier underlined the huge efforts of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and other security apparatuses in safeguarding borders and stopping infiltration attempts by terrorist groups into Jordan, and, at the same time, assisting Syrian refugees to cross into safety in the Kingdom.

He stressed that most regional challenges and problems facing the region are attributed to the lack of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, emphasising that injustice begets despair and frustration for peoples.

The war on terrorism is a global responsibility, and, as such, should be carried out within a “holistic approach that guarantees eliminating terrorism and dark ideologies”, Mulki said.

The prime minister also called for optimally utilising the free trade agreement between Jordan and Singapore in boosting economic and trade cooperation, which he described as below the envisioned level.

For his part, the Singaporean minister applauded the Jordanian role in enhancing peace and security in the region, highlighting the importance of exchanging intelligence and exerting more efforts in the war on terrorism that has become an international issue that has crossed the Middle East’s boundaries.