Head of Socialist Int’l Papandreou concludes visit to Jordan

AMMAN — George A. Papandreou, former prime minister of Greece and current president of Socialist International, concluded a two-day visit to Jordan last week, during which he met with senior government officials and lawmakers.

During his meetings, Papandreou had the opportunity to exchange views on regional developments, problems created by population movements due to the ongoing war in Syria and Iraq, and the need to mobilise international public opinion for preventing the destruction of cultural heritage, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times. 

Papandreou praised Jordan for its efforts to promote stability in the region and emphasised the need for concerted international support to deal with the humanitarian problems created by armed conflict in neighbouring countries.

He also underlined that as president of Socialist International and vice president of the International Olympic Truce Foundation, he will contribute with concrete initiatives in promoting the “Amman Message” for a peaceful coexistence of different religions and cultures. 

Papandreou, in his capacity as member of the Global Leadership Council of Mercy Corps, had the opportunity to visit onsite educational programmes for children and adolescents who are victims of war, and had a look at the water demand management project in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Mafraq, some 80km northeast of Amman.

He also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by humanitarian organisations with UNHCR Representative to Jordan Andrew Harper, the statement said.