NATO is all about expansion of friendships and the building of relationships. NATO's Allied Command Transformation (ACT) plays a vital role on this path to future cooperation with non-NATO countries.

In an endeavour to provide more cost effective capabilities to the Alliance and Partner Nations, extend relationships and build upon an already positive atmosphere in the Mediterranean Region, NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, Polish Army General Mieczyslaw Bieniek recently visited Jordan.

Bieniek met with Jordan's Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Marshal M. Al-Zaben and his assistant, Jordanian Prince, Lieutenant General Faisal Bin Al–Hussain and the meeting provided a great opportunity to discuss the country's already good cooperation with ACT as well as future collaboration projects.

"The meetings provided a positive and enthusiastic exchange of information on enhancing the interactions between Jordan and NATO ACT," said Bieniek. "Jordan is convinced that NATO is engaging well and has the right approach to cooperation, he added.

During the conversations, Al–Hussain expressed sincere interest from Jordan and touched upon the Smart Defence initiative which he believes can offer capabilities for the Alliance and its partners.

Bieniek was given a tour at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre, where he was introduced to the vision of the Jordanian King to build a Counterterrorism Centre of Excellence. US Major General (Retired) Harrell, General Manager of the Centre leads a group of diverse and hand-selected instructors and support staff drawn from the world's most elite special operations units. Collectively, they have experience and skills learned over the last 35 years in combat operations from all over the world.

"My aim was to enhance the partnership through expanded and improved opportunities for partners in education and training," said Bieniek. "I also thanked Al-Zaben and Al – Hussain for Jordan being one of the most reliable and active Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) Partners in NATO operations and activities, as well as being the first MD Nation with an Operational Capabilities Concept declaration (Mechanised Infantry Battalion).

"Jordan is a very positive actor in the region and is a nation which can improve regional security and stability," said Bieniek as he also thanked them for their contribution in Afghanistan and their recent involvement in Operation Unified Protector in Libya.

Bieniek's invited Jordan to attend NATO's annual Strategic Military Partnership Conference and the Chiefs of Transformation Conference, both hosted by ACT.

"I am very convinced that the exchange of views and information will be of mutual benefit," said Bieniek. "Overall, I found this visit a very interesting and successful one. I believe it also allowed Jordan to better comprehend the most current trends of ACT and NATO work," he said.