Fayez meets with Spanish senators

AMMAN — Jordan has provided $10.3 billion as services for refugees until the end of 2017, Senate President Faisal Fayez said on Sunday.

During a meeting with a delegation of Spanish senators, headed by Senator Alberto Fabra, Fayez said that the international community did not shoulder its responsibilities in supporting Jordan and its general budget in response to the refugee crisis, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The Senate president reviewed the latest regional unrests, noting that the Kingdom was the most affected by it, especially in light of the Syrian and Iraqi crises.

Jordan has managed to maintain its security and stability despite these events, he added, stressing however that the country is facing economic challenges due to hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees.

These challenges affected citizens’ living conditions, increased the budget deficit and unemployment rates, contributed to lowering economic growth rates, and raised the general debt by $11.5 billion, Fayez highlighted.

Reaching a just, comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue according to international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution is the key to solving all crises and conflicts in the Middle East, he underscored.

In this regard, Fayez commended the stances of Spain and the EU in denouncing the US decision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, expressing Jordan’s appreciation for their belief that Jerusalem is a final status issue.

He also commended the “deep-rooted” relations between the two kingdoms at the political, economic and cultural levels, adding that Jordan is keen on further enhancing its relations with Spain, in a way that serves both countries’ interests and issues of mutual concern.

For their parts, the Spanish senators praised the Jordanian role in reaching regional security and stability, as well as the Kingdom’s humanitarian role towards Syrian refugees, despite scarce resources and economic challenges.

They also pledged to work with their government within the EU to increase the aid presented to Jordan.