Arab states seek good ties with Iran on principles of mutual respect: Jordan king

AMMAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan said all Arab states would seek good relations with Iran on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, al-Rai newspaper reported Sunday.

Expressing his belief that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, the Jordanian king told al-Rai that the region needs cooperation and coordination rather than crises and conflicts.

However, he warned against what he called "regular attacks from Iran-linked militias," noting a change in Iran's behavior is "in the interest of everyone in the region, including Iran and its people."

When asked about the possibility of launching an "Arab NATO," he said the issue "is not currently under discussion," while highlighting the necessity for an institutional Arab defense system.

"If we look at the threats facing us today, we will find they threaten all of us, and thus require Arab cooperation, especially the renewed terrorist threat and networks of organized drug and arms smuggling," the king explained.