‘Britain committed to helping Jordan cope with refugee influx’

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugh Robertson on Wednesday discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. 

In a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two offices stressed the importance of the US-brokered direct negotiations that are currently under way between the Palestinians and the Israelis, stressing the need for collective efforts to achieve required progress. 

Judeh reaffirmed Jordan’s fixed position in support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and congruent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. 

He also stressed Jordan’s concern about final status issues, expressing the country’s support for all efforts exerted within this context. 

Regarding the situation in Syria, Judeh asserted the Kingdom’s position, which calls for ending the bloodshed and violence there, and stressed the need to arrive at a political solution that guarantees the security, safety and territorial integrity of Syria.    

The foreign minister highlighted the heavy burdens borne by the Kingdom as a result of hosting more than 600,000 Syrian refugees, expressing his appreciation of Britain’s support for Jordan. 

He added that the international community should shoulder its responsibilities in supporting Jordan to enable it to pursue its humanitarian mission.  

Robertson expressed his country’s appreciation and support of Jordan’s pivotal role, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, to achieve peace and stability in the region, stressing the need for continued coordination and consultation with the Kingdom.  

He also expressed the UK’s appreciation of Jordan’s role in hosting Syrian refugees, stressing Britain’s continued support for efforts exerted within this context. 

Also on Wednesday, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh met with Robertson and discussed ways to boost bilateral relations between Jordan and Britain, especially parliamentary ties.

During the meeting, attended by Deputy Hazem Qashou, British Ambassador to Jordan Peter Millett and Dina Melhem from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Tarawneh commended the UK’s support for Jordan and for the Lower House in particular through the Westminster foundation. 

The speaker highlighted the reform process, noting that the government will submit a new law on political parties and at a later stage, an advanced elections law. 

Tarawneh also highlighted the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Jordan. 

Robertson said Britain realises the difficulties that Jordan is facing due to the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, stressing the London’s commitment to assisting Amman in coping with the refugee influx.

Furthermore, members of the Forum of Jordanian Parliamentarian Women met with Robertson.

At the meeting, attended by female MPs from Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia, discussions focused on the forum and principles to safeguard human rights, dignity and integrity, as well as women-related legislation.   

Robertson, who arrived in Jordan on Tuesday, is on his second official visit to the Kingdom.