Drug smuggling dangers, refugee crisis top FM meeting with UN envoy to Syria

AMMAN — The growing danger of drug smuggling from Syria to Jordan and the challenges from hosting large number of refugees topped Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi’s meeting with the UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen on Sunday. 

Safadi and Pedersen stressed the importance of making systematic efforts towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis and addressing its repercussions, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi stressed that the Kingdom continues to work with the UN and international and regional partners to push for a political solution that ends the crisis while preserving Syria's unity, restoring its security and stability, creating the necessary conditions for the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees, ridding Syria of terrorism, as well as addressing all consequences of the humanitarian and security crisis. 

Safadi expressed appreciation for the UN’s efforts, stressing its role in resolving the crisis.

Safadi also highlighted the challenges faced by the Kingdom as a result of the continuing crisis and the increasing number of refugees.

He pointed to the growing danger of drug smuggling from the Syrian territory to the Kingdom, stressing that Jordan will take all necessary measures to eliminate this danger and protect its security and national interests.

Safadi warned of the repercussions of the decline in international support for Syrian refugees and its effects on refugee-host countries, stressing that providing a decent living for refugees is a shared responsibility between the host countries and the international community.

Pedersen stressed the importance of continuous cooperation between the Kingdom and the UN in this area, praising the great humanitarian role the Kingdom plays in hosting Syrian refugees and providing them with a decent life.