Razzaz meets with EU representatives over reform efforts

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Sunday met with ambassadors and heads of mission of the EU over means of supporting the Kingdom’s reforms.

Discussions also went over the London initiative to support the Jordanian economy and the Brussels conference to support host countries of Syrian refugees, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Razzaz referred to the partnership between Jordan and EU countries and the continuous coordination on all issues of mutual concern.

He noted that the London initiative was an important milestone for Jordan and reflected international concern in the Kingdom and commitment to supporting it.

The prime minister expressed his happiness for the volume of support that the international community presented to Syrians inside their country and in host countries.

Razzaz also stressed that the international community’s support to the Syrian Response Plan platforms is worldwide recognition of the fact that Jordan bears additional burdens.

On the domestic frontier, the prime minister explained that the government’s top priority is employing youth and creating job opportunities.

The government is committed to supporting the National Service programme and has plans to expand it, he reaffirmed.

Referring to the economic challenges facing Jordan, Razzaz said that in the presence of “true partners like the EU”, Jordan can overcome such hardships.

Despite the challenges, several economic indicators, such as trade volume and exports, have begun to improve, he highlighted.

He also said that the government is about to launch dialogue sessions on political reform, employment and poverty in April.

These engagements will lead to practical steps to serve these goals, Razzaz added.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mary Kawar said that the government, after the London initiative, will focus on stimulating economic growth and implementing a matrix of reforms over the next five years.

These strategies include adopting a 2019-2020 action plan on prioritising top goals, she explained.

Kawar stressed that the priority in the next phase is putting the national economy right on track, while developing the country’s human resources.

EU diplomats stressed their respective countries’ keenness on helping Jordan overcome its challenges and supporting under-way reforms.

They called for following up on the outcomes of the London initiative in a way that contributes to surmounting the hardships facing Jordan and enhancing the Kingdom’s stability and prosperity.

They also expressed readiness to assist Jordan in implementing vocational training programmes in sectors that generate more jobs, particularly for the youth, alleviating poverty and unemployment.