AMMAN. The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, visited the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the invitation of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Major General Yousef Huneiti.
In Amman, talks with senior military officials focused on the long-standing and valuable partnership between NATO and Jordan.
During his visit, the President also had the opportunity to visit the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre and give a lecture at the Royal Jordanian National Defence College.
On the first day, meeting with the Chairman of the General Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Major General Huneiti, Admiral Bauer discussed the crucial role Jordan plays as a source of stability in the region and, consequently, the importance of strengthening military cooperation within the existing partnership.
A moment of the visit
A very active member of the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) since 1995, Jordan became an Enhanced Opportunities Partner (EOP) shortly after the 2014 Wales Summit, when NATO’s Related Defence and Security Capability Development (DCB) initiative was launched. Since then, Jordan has been working hand-in-hand with NATO in a growing number of areas, including counter-IED, cyber defence, maritime and border security.
In May this year, the coastal city of Aqaba hosted a three-day workshop to help identify Jordanian maritime and counter-terrorism requirements and ways in which NATO can improve the efficiency and sustainability of Jordan’s counter-terrorism capability.
Over the years, partner country Jordan has made many contributions to NATO missions and operations.
“Our forces have served side by side in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Libya, and Jordanian troops participate in the NATO Response Force,” Admiral Bauer said, extending NATO’s gratitude to Jordan for hosting NATO’s defence capability development training activities for Iraq at the King Abdullah Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC).
On the second day of the visit, Admiral Bauer met with Commandant of the Royal Jordanian National Defence College, Brigadier General Azzam Al-Rawahneh.
Discussions centered on the deteriorated security situation in NATO’s Southern neighbourhood, due to the multitude and complexity of challenges and threats faced – including smuggling, weapons trafficking, irregular immigration and energy security.
The Admiral clarified that while there is increased focus on the Eastern flank, the South remains equally important in the context of NATO’s 360-degree approach to deterrence and defence.
In his remarks to assembled students and faculty members at the Defence College, the Admiral expanded on Jordan being a frontline for international security and a cornerstone of stability in the broader Middle East.
Regarding energy security, Admiral Bauer emphasised NATO’s commitment to “Combat climate change by improving energy efficiency, transitioning to clean resources and exploiting innovative next-generation clean technologies”.
“As we adapt our Alliance to the ongoing energy transition, NATO strives to ensure military capability, effectiveness and interoperability,” he said.
Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Jordan
NATO’s efforts are in line with Jordan’s national security priorities, as recently outlined by the military representative for Jordan, Colonel Mohammad Hassan, at the NATO Military Committee’s second thematic meeting with partners on energy security in June.
“Cooperation with partners is critical to support NATO’s ambition to develop more stable and reliable energy supplies, sources and alternatives,” he noted.
Admiral Rob Bauer concluded the visit by expressing gratitude for the enduring friendship between NATO and Jordan, with a strong message of unity against an increasingly dangerous and unpredictable geostrategic environment.
“The current security environment highlights the importance of partnerships, which are crucial to protect the global commons and enhance our resilience – he said – NATO allies are committed to further strengthening our ties with partners who share Alliance values and an interest in upholding the rules-based international order. Jordan is, among them, a close friend and a valued partner’.
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