Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, Tuesday discussed with the European Union’s Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, means to cement the strategic partnership between Jordan and the EU, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East.
Safadi and Varhelyi reviewed the bloc’s support programs to the Kingdom, stressing the need to advance bilateral cooperation, especially in economic spheres, to help the Kingdom overcome current challenges and ramp up growth programs.
The meeting tackled a multi-year EU support program mechanism under the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Additionally, it discussed steps to increase cooperation under the 2021-2027 Partnership Priorities Agreement, which will be signed soon.
Safadi thanked the EU for its support to Jordan, noting the bloc’s move to supply the Kingdom with COVID-19 vaccines and assist in cushioning the repercussions of the pandemic.
On regional developments, the two officials spoke about the Palestinian cause, efforts to resolve multiple crises in the region, and finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis and its ramifications.
The meeting also dealt with the issue of refugees that the Kingdom is hosting, and the need for the international community to continue providing aid and assistance, especially in light of the decline of international interest and support for refugees. Safadi lauded the EU’s support in this regard and said it would contribute to helping Jordan shoulder the burden of refugees.
Varhelyi commended Jordan’s role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, in establishing security and stability in the region, pointing out that the Kingdom is a key strategic partner of the EU.
He emphasized that the bloc stands by the Kingdom in the face of economic challenges, hailing its humanitarian role towards Syrian refugees. The EU official renewed the bloc’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom to shoulder the burdens of hosting refugees.
Source: Jordan News Agency