Jordan ‘only country’ to successfully protect its borders with Syria — PM

AMMAN — Despite being a small country, Jordan has been the only state able to maintain the security of its borders with Syria, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Saturday.

During a meeting with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and an accompanying delegation, Ensour said Jordan welcomes the coalition launched by Saudi Arabia to combat terrorist and extremist ideology, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The premier also reviewed the repercussions of the refugee crisis on Jordan, which hosts 1.4 million Syrians.

Moreover, he highlighted the economic, security and social costs of hosting refugees, as well as its effects on the education and health sectors in light of the lack of aid Jordan is receiving, which only covers 38 per cent of the cost.

Noting that the state budget is no more than $15 billion, Ensour voiced hope that the donor conference to be held in London in February will support countries impacted by the Syrian crisis.

The premier stressed that Jordan’s open border policy remains unchanged, and that security is a top priority over all other concerns. 

He said there are around 10,000 Syrian refugees on the Jordanian-Syrian border who receive services through the government. 

The root of all the trouble in the region is the lack of a just solution to the Palestinian cause, Ensour said, pointing out that all UN resolutions are being implemented except those related to the Palestinian issue.

Jordan, he added, appreciates France’s role on the issue and is interested in further cooperation. 

For his part, the French minister voiced interest in increasing bilateral cooperation and commended Jordan’s support for France during the terrorist attacks in Paris last November.

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani also attended the meeting.

King’s Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben met separately with Le Drian and the accompanying delegation.

At the meeting, attended by HRH Prince Feisal, Zaben and the French minister discussed regional and international developments.