His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday participated in a roundtable on regional security, held in The Hague and attended by King Willem-Alexander, several Dutch officials, and representatives of NGOs concerned with countering terrorism and extremism.

Speaking at the roundtable, King Abdullah said cooperation and coordination among various countries is the only way to counter terror groups and defeat radical ideology, noting that the terror threat has proven itself both adaptable and resilient.

His Majesty stressed the need for a holistic approach that goes beyond military and security measures to encompass cultural and social aspects as well.

The King noted Jordan’s efforts to host meetings in the southern port city of Aqaba to exchange expertise, and step up coordination and consultation in the global fight against terrorism and radical ideologies.

His Majesty also warned of the danger of Islamophobia, and the consequences of victimising and isolating Muslim communities, which feeds into extremist agendas.

For his part, Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok praised Jordan’s role, led by the King, in pursuit of security and stability, commending His Majesty’s efforts in highlighting the true image of Islam.

Blok also affirmed the importance of cooperation between Jordan and the Netherlands at the bilateral and international levels.

At the roundtable, discussions covered challenges and crises in the Middle East, and efforts to resolve them politically, in addition to the roles of Jordan and the Netherlands in achieving peace in the region and the world.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Ahmad Al Mufleh attended the roundtable.

Following the meeting, His Majesty and King Willem-Alexander witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Jordan and the Netherlands on security cooperation.