Safadi, UNHCR chief discuss Syrian refugee crisis

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Sunday discussed means of cooperation between the Kingdom and the UN refuge agency to meet the needs of Syrian refugees.

During the meeting, held at the Foreign Ministry, Safadi highlighted the importance for the international community to continue shouldering its responsibilities towards refugees and helping the Kingdom serve them, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister noted that Jordan bears immense burdens on the educational, health and infrastructure sectors due to hosting 1.3 million Syrians whose basic needs have to be met through sustainable international cooperation, adding that the Kingdom has exceeded its capacity as a host.

For his part, Grandi commended the distinguished humanitarian role of the Kingdom in helping refugees, stressing the agency's keenness to continue cooperation and coordination in addressing refuge challenges.

He added that Jordan has set an example to in hosting and assisting refugees, and that the commission would continue cooperating with Amman to help it meet refugees' needs.

In a tweet, Safadi wrote: “Excellent, effective cooperation between #Jordan, #UNHCR on addressing #Syria refugees needs. Discussed furthering this cooperation with Filippo Grandi @RefugeesChief. Grateful for the Commission's tremendous support.”

Meanwhile, the agency tweeted: “UNHCR @RefugeesChief Filippo Grandi highlights during his meeting with Mr. Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the strong efforts made by Jordan in welcoming refugees from 40+ nationalities.”