NATO members decided to establish an office in Jordan at the NATO summit held July 9-11.
"This decision... clearly marks a significant milestone in the deep strategic partnership between Jordan and the Alliance. It acknowledges Jordan's significant role as a beacon of stability in both regional and global contexts, and as a long-time champion in fighting transnational threats, including terrorism and violent extremism",
the NATO statement says.
The NATO Office in Amman, the Jordanian capital, will aim to strengthen cooperation between NATO and countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Most Arab countries try to maintain a balance in relations with Iran, maintain neutrality, and do not strive to join NATO. At the same time, Jordan is recognized as a key NATO partner in the region, and the opening of an office in Amman will be recognition of this.
"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",
the NATO statement says.
