The UAE and Jordan started joint military drills Thursday in demonstration of the robust cooperation ties between the two countries, Emirates News Agency WAM reported.

Titled “Bonds of Strength”, the exercises are part of the ongoing military collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries to improve their fighting capabilities and combat readiness in face of the various challenges besetting the region.

 They have gained growing importance owing to the current developments in the region, which entail maintaining the highest level of readiness to ensure the protection of the country's national gains and assets and deter any attempts to inflict damage on Arab and Gulf national security.

 The UAE and Jordan share identical views on confronting the current menacing threats to the region, with both of them being active members of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

 Both countries are participating in the Saudi-led Arab Coalition in support of legitimacy in Yemen. They also categorically reject all interferences into the internal affairs of the region’s countries and stand up to all conspiracies and plots hatched to destabilize the region and destroy its assets.

 Staff Brigadier Saeed Salmeen (photo), the Director in charge of the military exercise, said the drills seek to ensure operational and military training alignment between the two countries’ forces and reinforce their combat gear and capabilities in face of all kinds of threats and challenges.

 Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan Lt. General Mahmoud Freihat received in Amman Deputy Commander of the United States Central Command Lt. Gen. Thomas Bergeson, Petra news agency reported.

During the meeting, Freihat and Bergeson discussed the latest regional and international developments, and prospects of military cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest between the two countries.