PM, Norway’s Solberg hail half a century of friendly relations

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz and his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg on Sunday discussed means of expanding cooperation in various fields of common interest.

Highlighting the half a century of Jordanian-Norwegian diplomatic relations, Razzaz reiterated the Kingdom's keenness to advance friendly ties with its "key" partner Norway, highlighting the two countries' “common vision”. 

Besides the aspects of joint cooperation and areas to build on, talks went over various regional and international issues and efforts made to maintain security and stability, with Razzaz stressing the Kingdom's stance towards the two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also expressed appreciation for Norway's support to UNRWA to enable it continue its UN-mandated role, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Touching on the Syrian crisis, the two sides highlighted the need for a political solution that safeguards Syria’s territorial integrity and the unity of its people, while guaranteeing the safe and voluntary return of refugees. The two sides reviewed the Jordanian efforts made to address refugee influxes.

In joint statements to the press following the talks, expressing appreciation for the Kingdom's humanitarian role in receiving Syrian refugees, Solberg reiterated her country's pledges to support refugees and host countries, noting that Oslo has offered Jordan $1.2 billion over the past four years and stressing that her country will continue supporting the Kingdom.

She also underlined her country's support to the Kingdom's reform plans in terms of creating more job opportunities and improving economic growth.   

Talks also went over Jordanian-Norwegian cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism, with Solberg valuing Jordan's role in enhancing regional security and stability and the importance of the Aqaba meetings in formulating a holistic anti-terrorism approach.

Commenting on bettering the two countries' business sectors, the talks drew attention to establishing a Jordanian-Norwegian business council to activate cooperation between the two countries' private sectors as well as exploring opportunities and capabilities in various sectors, mainly in the fields of solar energy and fertiliser.

During her two-day official visit to the Kingdom, Solberg toured the Community Support Committee’s project in east Amman, which is being implemented by the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and funded by the UNHCR. 

Solberg listened to the feedback of a group of refugees on the quality of services provided by the office, hosted by the Princess Basma Centre for Development in Nuzha, east Amman, as part of a partnership with JOHUD. 

Solberg attended a roundtable on ways to enhance Jordanian-Norwegian cooperation in the face of extremism as part of international efforts. The session was attended by the Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat.