Carter, King Abdullah discuss regional concerns

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON Jan 12 (KUNA) -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter met King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Pentagon late Monday to discuss recent regional developments.Carter "reaffirmed the closeness of the US-Jordan strategic relationship and the leaders discussed mutual concerns in the region including the ongoing crisis in Syria" said the Defense Department in a statement.Carter expressed his deep appreciation for Jordan's continuous contributions to counter the so-called Islamic State (IS) the statement said."They had a good exchange and agreed to continue the close partnership between the United States and Jordan" it added.King Abdullah previously had a closed-door meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry.(end) rm.ag