In a landmark moment for international cooperation, European Union leaders are traveling to Amman this Thursday for the first-ever EU-Jordan summit, demonstrating the strengthening bonds between Europe and this vital Middle Eastern partner.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will meet with King Abdullah II in what represents a significant milestone in EU-Jordan relations. The historic summit celebrates Jordan's role as what Costa describes as "a strategic partner for the European Union" and recognizes the kingdom's "pivotal role" in promoting regional stability.

This gathering comes on the heels of a major achievement: last year's Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between the EU and Jordan, which includes an impressive €3 billion financial and investment package aimed at boosting prosperity and collaboration between the partners.

Jordan's commitment to peace and stability in the region makes it an invaluable ally for the European Union. The country has maintained a relatively stable political landscape and shares the EU's vision for Middle East peace, including support for the two-state solution. James Moran, associate senior research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies and former EU ambassador to Egypt, highlights Jordan's humanitarian leadership, noting that the kingdom has generously welcomed millions of Palestinian refugees over the years, with many becoming Jordanian citizens.

The summit will explore how Jordan's well-organized military could potentially contribute to future international peacekeeping efforts, with Moran suggesting that "Jordanian troops are likely to be more accepted by populations in Gaza" in any future stabilization missions.

Another bright spot on the agenda is Syria's reconstruction and the hopeful return of refugees to their homeland. Jordan has been hosting Syrian refugees with remarkable generosity, and approximately 200,000 have recently felt safe enough to return home to Syria as reconstruction begins. The EU is keen to learn from Jordan's compassionate and effective approach to supporting refugees in returning to rebuild their communities.

The European Union has already demonstrated its commitment to supporting Jordan's economy with substantial assistance, including €500 million in macro-financial aid recently. This summit provides an opportunity to build on this foundation and explore new avenues for economic cooperation that will benefit Jordanian citizens and create opportunities for growth.

This historic meeting represents more than just diplomacy—it's a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to working together toward a more peaceful and prosperous future. As the EU continues to strengthen its partnerships in the Mediterranean region, with Jordan and Morocco next in line for comprehensive deals, this summit sets a positive precedent for how international cooperation can address complex challenges while uplifting communities across borders.

The warmth and depth of the EU-Jordan relationship demonstrates that through partnership, dialogue, and mutual support, nations can work together to create positive change even in challenging times.