Jordan’s King Abdullah said he would support the formation of a Middle East military alliance similar to NATO, and that it could be done with like-minded countries.
Thomas Kronsteiner | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Jordan’s King Abdullah II said he would support the formation of a Middle East military alliance similar to NATO, and that it could be done with like-minded countries.
The state works actively with NATO and sees itself as a alliance partner, After decades of fighting “shoulder to shoulder” with NATO troops, Emperor told CNBC hadley gamble on Wednesday.
“I want more countries in the region to come into that mix,” he said.
“I will be one of the first people who will support NATO in the Middle East,” Abdullah said.
But the vision of such a military alliance should be very clear, and its role well defined, he said.
“The mission statement has to be very, very clear. Otherwise, it confuses everyone,” he said.
cooperation in the field
The king said that in addition to potential security and military cooperation, countries in the Middle East are beginning to work together to address the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine.
“We’re all coming together and saying ‘how can we help each other’,” he said.
“Help each other,” he insisted, “which, I think, is very unusual for the region.”
Energy and commodity prices have soared after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Jordan is an energy importer, but Abdullah said a country with oil but not wheat would also need help.
He said countries in the region believe that the goal should be a win-win solution.
“If I’m fine and you’re not, I’m going to pay the price” because regional projects will be affected, he said.
He said, “I’m hoping that what you see in 2022 is this new vibe, I think, in this area to say, ‘How can we connect with each other and with each other? How can it work?