His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan met on Sunday with German Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
During the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, the King and Leyen discussed cooperation between the two countries, especially in training and the exchange of expertise in military and security fields.
The meeting also touched on the latest developments in the Middle East, including regional and international efforts to fight terrorism and its groups, within an integrated strategy.
During the meeting, the two sides emphasized the need to continue coordination and consultation between Jordan and Germany about the region's crises and ways to deal with them.
For her part, the German Minister stressed that Jordan’s stability is a main pillar of the region’s stability and Europe considers Jordan as a pivotal and primary partner in the Middle East.
She expressed her country’s appreciation for Jordan’s efforts in dealing with the region's crises.
Last month, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has handed over 16 Marder armored vehicles to Jordan. A further 34 vehicles will follow as part of a multi-million-euro defense aid package to help the country defend its borders.
At a ceremony in Amman, von der Leyen formally delivered the armored vehicles, which form part of the “Reinforcement Initiative” in which the German government supports trustworthy states in troubled regions.
Following the delivery of the 16 Marder armored vehicles, a further 34 are to follow before the end of next year.
“Jordan is a bulwark against terror. That is why it is permanently important to support Jordan as well,” von der Leyen said
The cost of the defense aid for 2016 is 100 million euros ($94.6 million) rising to 130 million euros in 2017. Jordan is also to receive 88 million euros over two years for armaments. Furthermore, the Middle East country, which borders Syria and Iraq, is to receive 70 trucks and 56 minibuses to be used for military purposes.
Von der Leyen explained the rationale for the “Reinforcement Initiative,” which also includes Iraq, Tunisia, Mali and Nigeria. Niger is due to be added next year.
“If we are not prepared to assist these countries with their security they will soon be overrun by terrorists,” von der Leyen said.
