Federica Mogherini called for international unity in tackling terrorism, speaking in Jordan hours after Brussels was hit by a wave of terrorist attacks.

“It is a sad day for Europe,” the High Representative said during an emotional press conference in Amman, together with Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh. “Europe and its capital – she added – are suffering the same pain that this region has known and knows every single day, be it in Syria, be it elsewhere.” Mogherini – who has been in constant contact with other EU authorities – commented: “It is quite clear that the roots of the pain we are suffering around our region are very much the same and that we are united in not only the suffering of the victims, but also in reacting to these acts and preventing radicalisation and violence together.” The terrorists “will not divide us,” she stated.

Mogherini, on the second day of a trip to Lebanon and Jordan, met His Majesty Kong Abdullah II of Jordan and Her Majesty Queen Rania, who  expressed their condolences to the European Union for the attacks.

And the EU foreign policy chief invoked the message that King Abdullah had delivered in his recent visit to the European Parliament: “Salam alikoum – peace be upon you. There is no stronger message that we can today pass to the people of the Middle East and to the people of Europe, together, jointly.”

The High Representative recalled the European Union’s cooperation with Jordan on counter-terrorism, the fight against radicalisation and ending the Syrian conflict. “Jordan is a very precious partner – she explained – in what today would be probably more relevant to all Europeans, which is the anti-radicalisation work. We believe the message that is coming from Amman, constantly and consistently, of an Islam that is an Islam of peace, and dialogue and cooperation is what we need in this moment, here in the region and in Europe.”