US President Barack Obama lauded the strategic alliance between Jordan and the US and praised His Majesty King Abdullah’s and Jordan’s constructive role in various regional files in statements to the media at the White House, following the two leaders’ summit on Wednesday.

The meeting tackled the war against terror, the situation in Syria and Iraq, Mideast peace and the burden of refugees.

The two leaders also discussed ways to “entrench the strategic partnership between Jordan and the US, in light of the pivotal role Jordan is playing in the region”, with Obama saying that the two countries have been in sync on all the subjects of the talks.

Obama’s statements highlight the importance the US attaches to Jordan’s efforts to, among others, fight global terrorism, find a settlement to the conflict in Syria and bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians to breathe life into the stagnant Mideast peace process.

Particularly in the war against terror, the US president lauded the King’s and Jordan’s efforts, emphasising the need for the two sides to continue their cooperation with their other allies to finish the job.

“Jordan is a country that punches above its weight when it comes to the fight against ISIL,” said Obama, adding that he briefed the King on his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin over starting a ceasefire in Syria.

This issue is of great concern to Jordan, as developments in Syria have impacted the Kingdom at various levels; most outstanding, the country now hosts around 1.3 million Syrians, with some analysts warning that many more might be arriving, depending on the developments in the southern parts of this war-ravaged Arab country.

That is why the King closely follows the developments in Syria and is keen to help find a political settlement to the conflict in this neighbouring country, for military power alone cannot be the answer.

And that is why Jordan can be described as a country that “punches above its weight”, not because the Kingdom is picking a fight, but because the magnitude of problems and challenges facing it is huge.

In addition to refugees, what concerns Jordan is the threat posed by terrorist groups, mainly Daesh, which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq.

As Obama said in his statement, Jordan is doing all it can to fight Daesh and to be an essential part of the global alliance fighting terrorism.

The president made reassuring statements, telling Jordanians that Washington appreciates the Kingdom’s hospitality in hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and will continue to stand by Jordan.

It is due to the King’s leadership that the two countries see eye to eye on many issues and have achieved great levels of cooperation, Obama said.

“And that will continue as long as I’m president and long after I’m gone, thanks to the leadership of His Majesty,” he emphasised.

The King, expressing gratitude to the US for its support, emphasised that Washington’s support to Jordan is unparalleled.

The two leaders’ talks and the statements that followed again demonstrate the unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries and Jordan’s key role at regional and international levels.

Jordan is a small country that plays a major role in a tough neighbourhood; what this country does and stands for as a force of moderation is so important not only for the region, but for the whole world.

Aided by friends and allies, Jordan will continue to safeguard its interests while at the same time working to serve global humanitarian causes and peace.