US Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla travelled to Jordan on February 21 and 22 for a visit that served to highlight the longstanding partnership between the kingdom and the United States.

In Jordan, Kurilla met with Chairman of the Jordan Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef al-Huneiti and other top military leadership to discuss key issues and avenues for continued cooperation, CENTCOM said in a statement.

The leaders discussed the regional security situation, deepening the US-Jordan defense relationship and expanding their military-to-military relationship.

They also covered "innovation efforts, such as rapid prototyping and industrial scale mass-production capabilities for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) development," the statement said.

This is "essential for lethality on the modern battlefield," it added.

Kurilla also toured a Jordanian UAS production and training facility, a hallmark feature of Jordan’s dedication to meeting the evolving threat landscape.

Jordan is home to the Middle East's first-ever test site for UAS, counter-UAS and electronic warfare.

The test site has empowered the integration of UAS into the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and serves as a living laboratory for the development of UAS-related policies and training.

75 years of cooperation

Kurilla and the Jordanian officials reiterated their commitment to building on the long history of cooperation between the two countries.

"The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a critical partner in the region," Kurilla said in the statement.

The kingdom provides "leadership, competent and capable forces, and an unshakeable commitment to the Defeat-ISIS ("Islamic State of Iraq and Syria") campaign," he said.

"Jordan's efforts are vital to regional stability."

As the US military leader responsible for all US operations, collaboration and cooperation in the Middle East, Kurilla's visit highlights the enduring US commitment to Jordan.

It reaffirms the two nations’ shared commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and stable Middle East.

The United States has remained a steadfast partner to Jordan since diplomatic relations were first established in 1949.

Cooperation has spanned a range of areas including border security, maritime security, arms transfers, cybersecurity and counterterrorism.

Since 2015, the United States has provided Jordan with over $2.15 billion in foreign military financing, via a US State Department program that allows eligible militaries to purchase defense-related equipment, services and training.

The United States also has provided Jordan with over $21 million for International Military Education and Training (IMET) since 2015, according to the US State Department.

Jordan is one of the main recipients of such aid.