PM discusses ties, refugee crisis with US delegation

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday commended US support to Jordan to enable it to implement development projects.

At a meeting with US congressional aides who are currently on a visit to the Kingdom, the premier cited the country’s reform drive, including the latest constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing democracy.

Ensour highlighted the challenges facing the Kingdom due to hosting more than 1.42 million Syrians, including refugees, constituting 20 per cent of the total population and costing the country around JD3 billion so far.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, the prime minister stressed Jordan’s support for the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, arriving at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Also on Tuesday, the delegates met separately with Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh, Senate President Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben.

HRH Prince Feisal also attended Zaben’s meeting with the US delegation.

Discussions at the gatherings covered the latest regional developments and their impact on Jordan, in addition to means to boost cooperation and coordination.

The congressional aides were also briefed on Jordan’s reform drive, with the local officials reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to moving ahead with the process despite regional turmoil.

The delegates voiced their country’s readiness to increase its support to Jordan, commending the Kingdom’s regional role and its humanitarian efforts to host refugees.