PM, US ambassador to UN talk ties, development efforts

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Thursday received US Ambassador to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield and stressed the strategic ties between Jordan and the US and keenness to enhance cooperation in various fields.

Khasawneh expressed appreciation and gratitude for the US support to Jordan, which contributes to boosting the Kingdom’s development efforts, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Talks also went over the latest regional developments and efforts to realise security and stability, where Khasawneh  stressed the importance of reaching a just, permanent and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution that leads to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.  

The premier highlighted the significance of maintaining the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem out of the historical Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in the city. 

He also reviewed the challenges Jordan is facing as a result of hosting more than 1.3 million Syrian refugees, 90 per cent of whom live in Jordan’s cities and villages, and the refugee crisis’ repercussions on the educational, health, water and job sectors. 

Thomas-Greenfield expressed Washington’s appreciation for the important role that Amman plays in safeguarding regional security and stability, and praised the Kingdom’s efforts in hosting Syrian refugees and offering them basic services. 

The ambassador also stressed the need to support Jordan’s efforts through maintaining sustainable support from donor countries and organisations to bear the costs of hosting Syrian refugees.