Jordan plays key role in addressing crisis in Iraq, Syria: King

King Abdullah II of Jordan said Sunday Jordan plays a key role in addressing the crisis in Syria and Iraq and ensures the stability in the region, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

The King said at a meeting Sunday with tribal leaders in Northern Badia, near the borders with Syria, that it is Jordan's duty concurrently to protect the tribes in the eastern regions of Syria and in the west of Iraq.

"I am quite confident of the capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces and their competence in protecting the borders," said the King.

Jordan recently announced it would train Syrian and Iraqi tribes to support them in their fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq and provide them with comprehensive expertise in order to confront terrorist groups.

At the meeting, the King said national unity is the key for the country's strength and repelling challenges from various fronts.

Despite the threats facing Syria and Iraq politically, security-wise and militarily, Jordan is addressing those challenges through focusing on economic priorities, the Jordanian leader said. Endit