Jordan counting on donors’ support amidst refugee crisis — Fakhoury

AMMAN — Jordan is depending on donor countries to shoulder the commitments announced in the London conference to support countries hosting Syrian refugees, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury said Tuesday. 

Speaking at a meeting with Finnish Minister of Social Affairs and Health Hanna Mäntylä and an accompanying delegation, Fakhoury highlighted the accumulating burdens resulting from the Syrian crisis and their negative repercussions on the economy and social life, which requires support from donor countries for the Jordan Response Plan.

He also stressed the importance of boosting economic cooperation to benefit from the new rules of origin with the EU, according to a ministry statement.

Despite all the challenges, Jordan is still committed to the reform process through the 2025 Jordan document and the 2016-2018 executive development programme.

For her part, Mäntylä commended Jordan's efforts in hosting Syrian refugees and its role in spreading peace and stability and combating terrorism. 

She stressed the "strong" partnership between Finland and Jordan, voicing her government's commitment to enhancing the Kingdom's economic resilience. 

Also on Tuesday, Mäntylä visited the Mafraq Public Hospital where she observed the services offered there and was briefed on the challenges the hospital faces in light of the increase in the number of Syrian refugee patients.