Jordanian-European partnership tops meet between FM, EU official

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday discussed with new European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi means of building on the Jordanian-European partnership and boosting cooperation, notably in the economic field.  

During the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the Geneva-hosted Global Refugee Forum, the two sides expressed commitment to advancing economic and development cooperation, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi expressed gratitude for the EU’s support to the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of the upcoming 500-million euro soft loan, which is dedicated to underpinning the Kingdom's economic reform programme.

He also praised the EU's efforts towards supporting UNRWA and rallying support to wipe out the agency's financial deficit.  

Varhelyi reaffirmed the EU's supportive stance to the Kingdom, appreciating the Jordanian leadership’s efforts in achieving peace and stability, fostering a culture of dialogue and respect and countering extremism and terrorism.

Talks also covered the latest regional developments, mainly those related to the Palestinian cause and efforts towards reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis, the statement said.

Safadi and Varhelyi agreed on continuing communication to advance cooperation and identify the priorities of the Jordanian-European partnership, notably in the economic field, to overcome challenges and underpin the economic growth programme, which is one of the Kingdom's top economic policies.

Safadi, during the meeting, congratulated Varhelyi on his new post as European Commissioner for Neigbourhood Policy and Enlargement, looking forward to advancing cooperation in way that realises joint interests.

On the sidelines of the forum, Safadi also met his Iraqi counterpart Mohammad Alhakim over enhancing cooperation and the latest regional developments. 

Reiterating the centrality of Iraq stability, Safadi drew attention to the importance of underpinning Iraq's rebuilding efforts, highlighting His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to advance cooperation with Baghdad in all fieldsthe statement said. 

 Lauding the "considerable" improvement in mutual cooperation and coordination, Alhakim said that his country considers enhancing Jordanian-Iraqi ties as a priority.