King discusses Syrian refugee burden with Norway’s PM

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Sunday discussed ways through which the international community can further support Jordan in hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees.  

King Abdullah and Solberg addressed the importance of focusing on providing assistance, grants and soft financing tools for the Kingdom, in addition to the possibility of developing infrastructure services at development zones and attracting further investments to Jordan.

At the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour, the King thanked Norway for supporting Jordan, especially by helping the country handle the repercussions of hosting Syrian refugees and continue its humanitarian mission. 

With regards to the latest developments in Syria, His Majesty stressed the need for intensifying efforts to arrive at a political and a comprehensive solution to the crisis that would end the cycle of killing and safeguard the country’s unity, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The two sides also discussed regional and international counter-terrorism efforts.  

Solberg stressed her country’s commitment to fostering its cooperation with Jordan, expressing her appreciation of the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve regional peace.

She also reaffirmed her country’s support for Jordan in hosting Syrian refugees. 

Jordan is scheduled to open an embassy in Oslo next year to further boost Jordanian-Norwegian ties, the statement said.  

Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour met with Solberg and discussed regional developments, especially the crisis in Syria and the Palestinian question.

At a meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh and Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani, Ensour highlighted the pressures placed on the country’s resources, economy and services and the Kingdom’s efforts to meet refugees’ needs. 

He also expressed Jordan’s appreciation of Norway’s stance in support of the Palestinian cause and highlighted its efforts to arrive at a comprehensive and a just solution to the Palestinian question, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.   

Solberg, who is visiting the Kingdom to meet with senior Jordanian officials and learn firsthand about the conditions of Syrian refugees, reiterated her understanding of Jordan’s position on the issue of hosting refugees, expressing her country’s readiness to assist Jordan in this regard.