AMMAN: The inaugural Jordan-EU Summit underlined the depth of the country’s strategic partnership with Europe, officials and experts said, and confirmed the pivotal role Jordan plays in regional security, political stability and economic cooperation.

Analysts told the Jordan News Agency that Thursday’s summit took place at a sensitive moment for the region, but reflected international confidence in Jordan as a reliable partner in efforts to address cross-border security threats, advance peace initiatives, and expand cooperation in trade, investment and development.

Bashir Al-Dajeh, an expert in security and strategy, said the timing of the summit was significant, given the region is facing overlapping crises and transnational threats that place security and defense cooperation at the heart of Jordanian-European relations.

Jordan’s strategic location positions it on the front lines of efforts to tackle illegal migration, organized crime, drug and arms smuggling and cross-border terrorism, he added. The country has hosted more than 3.5 million refugees over the past decade without compromising its security infrastructure, he noted.

Jordan’s effective border controls were helping to curb irregular migration to Europe and disrupting the plans of extremist groups and trafficking networks, Al-Dajeh said, which was directly benefiting regional and European security.

Khaled Abu Hassan, a member of the Jordanian parliament, said the country’s foreign policy under King Abdullah had reinforced its influence, in the region and internationally, particularly its firm stance in support of the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel.

He said the summit reaffirmed Jordan’s political influence in the shaping of regional balances and advancement of efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. The timing of the meeting also demonstrated the resilience of the nation in managing multiple regional and domestic challenges.

Abu Hassan also highlighted the economic aspects of the summit, including the announcement of a Jordan-EU economic conference in April, as a sign of the international recognition of Jordan’s political and economic role.

Economist Mufleh Aql said the high-level summit reflected a shared desire for a broadening of cooperation to encompass politics, trade, security and renewable energy, and Jordan was well-placed to benefit from access to the EU’s large markets, technology and investment opportunities.

The country could benefit from increased exports, technology transfers and financing for major infrastructure projects in sectors such as water, transport and energy, he added, and in return offer the EU skilled human capital amid labor shortages in Europe.

EU support for Jordan’s positions on issues such as Jerusalem, regional stability, energy and migration further strengthens the partnership, Aql said. Jordan also already benefits from EU grants, concessional loans and exports of agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical products to European markets, he noted.