Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II stressed that Jordan maintains an unwavering approach against terrorism, extremism and terrorist organizations and reiterated that the Kingdom is always ready and capable of addressing various challenges.

"We are working to curb terrorism and extremists and their supporters, dry up their funding sources and employ all our capabilities to address the threats of division which threatens countries experiencing unrest and conflicts in our region," the King told a meeting with the heads of the nation’s executive, judicial and legislative branches, as well as national figures.

The King renewed Jordan's support for regional and international anti-terror efforts, noting that the Kingdom backs the coalition against terrorism and is assessing alternatives to contribute and help in combatting terrorist organizations.

His Majesty stressed that Jordan seeks to support neighboring countries to preserve their components, pointing out that the Kingdom is in contact with all countries to serve its higher interests and work for security and stability in the region and finding solutions to regional crises.

While voicing confidence in the armed forces and security services in safeguarding the security and safety of Jordan, the King said: "We all need to work at all levels to combat extremism based on clear programs and plans." "Jordan is for all, we must work diligently to protect our country, and we have a duty towards our brothers, in addressing the challenges they are facing.... our country will always be a safe haven and oasis of security and stability for all and will always work to protect Arab Christians and protect their presence in the region...Jordan will remain a model for co-existence between its components," the King asserted.

Further, he called on the public to unite and work to counter the threat of terrorism and extremism, which distorts the image of Islam and its moderate essence and targets Muslims, Christians and Arabs and non-Arabs alike.

His Majesty emphasized that "Christians are a basic part of the social fabric of our region and our civilization, and will remain so", saying the nation's scholars, intellectuals and media have a role and a responsibility to stand firmly against extremists and prevent them from distorting the image of Islam and hijacking the future of the next generations.

"It is our duty to highlight the tolerant teachings of Islam that respect religions and humanity and we are proud that Jordan is a model of co-existence, compassion and solidarity," the King said.

The King also spoke about Jordan's efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue, harmony and co-existence, referring to the Amman Message and the "Common Word" initiative. Regarding Syria, King Abdullah renewed Jordan's call for finding a comprehensive political solution to the crisis to preserve Syria's unity and cohesion. He underlined the major burdens borne by the Kingdom as a result of receiving a massive influx of Syrian refugees on its territory. Turning to the latest developments in Iraq, His Majesty reiterated that Jordan will always stand by Iraq and encourages all Iraqi political forces to engage in an inclusive political process that cements their country's unity and national accord.

Speaking about Jordan's relationship with the Arab Gulf states, the King said: "We are a line of defense to these countries, and a line of defense to the Arab nation and its causes."

*Petra