U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander and Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity co-chaired the 44th meeting of the U.S.-Jordan Joint Military Commission (JMC) from May 1-2, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
The JMC is the premier bilateral defense forum for senior U.S. and Jordanian officials to discuss ongoing security assistance and military cooperation.
The U.S. and Jordanian delegations reiterated their commitment to further advance their robust security partnership, which is a pillar of regional stability. They also acknowledged 20 years of defense cooperation through the National Guard State Partnership Program with Colorado. The delegations discussed a broad range of issues that are vital to both countries' shared strategic interests, to include addressing the destabilizing impacts of ongoing conflicts within the region and countering the proliferation of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UASs). They also discussed the continuing challenges posed by ISIS and other violent extremist organizations, and the importance of maintaining security along Jordan's borders with Iraq and Syria. The U.S. delegation praised Jordan's ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts in Gaza and its critical regional leadership role.
Senior U.S. Government officials expressed gratitude for Jordan's participation in the Defeat-ISIS coalition and the Jordanian Armed Forces' leadership in advancing stability and security across the region. They reinforced the U.S. Government's support for the modernization of Jordan's fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft and pledged to continue efforts to improve Jordan's air defense and ability to counter UASs, which will improve the interoperability and effectiveness of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
Both parties agreed on the importance of the bilateral partnership and the need for continued cooperation to address mutual security challenges.
