Jordan, Egypt to intensify military cooperation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi that focused on means to strengthen Jordanian-Egyptian relations and addressed the regional latest developments.

During a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by a broader meeting, the two leaders commended the distinguished level of bilateral relations, drawing on a long history of ongoing cooperation and coordination, a Royal Court statement said. 

King Abdullah and Sisi stressed commitment to maintain consultations on issues of mutual concern in a manner that serves joint Arab action and the interests of the two countries.

During the talks, the two sides agreed on intensifying military and security cooperation through forming a joint task force to draw up a framework to confront regional challenges.

The King, who returned home later on Thursday after concluding the one-day visit, reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Egypt in a manner that reinforces its historic role in the Arab world and the Middle East.  

The Egyptian president expressed his appreciation of Jordan’s stance, which attests to the Kingdom’s continued support of its “Arab brethren” and all efforts that unify their ranks and serve their just causes. 

Sisi commended Jordan’s role at the UN Security Council, through its non-permanent membership, stressing his country’s commitment to coordinate with the Kingdom on the various Arab causes submitted to the Security Council, the statement said. 

During the talks, attended by several officials and officers from the two countries, the two leaders reviewed regional and international developments as well as ways to deal with the various challenges, and ensure the security of the region and its people. 

They stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among Arab and Muslim countries and the international community to firmly deal with the dangers of terrorism, extremism and terrorist groups. 

They also highlighted the important role of religious institutions in the Arab and the Islamic world, especially Al Azhar, in clarifying the true image of Islam and its doctrines that call for moderation, and rejection of violence and radicalisation. 

Addressing Middle East peace efforts, the King and Sisi called on the international community to work towards reviving peace negotiations to push the peace process forward, in accordance with the two-state solution and related international resolutions. 

Moreover, the two sides stressed the importance of arriving at a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian crisis, which ends the suffering of the Syrian people, and safeguards the unity and safety of Syria. 

Addressing the developments in Iraq, they stressed the need to support the efforts of the Iraqi government in dealing with the challenges facing it in a manner that boosts the security and the stability of the country. 

They also reviewed the latest developments in Libya. 

King Abdullah extended his condolences to the Egyptian president over “the criminal and cowardly” killing of several Egyptians by the Daesh terror group, strongly denouncing the crime. 

Daesh members beheaded 21 Egyptian Copts in Libya earlier this month.

Sisi hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the King and the Jordanian delegation.