UK minister for int'l development arrives in Jordan

AMMAN — British Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman arrived in Jordan on Sunday, reaffirming her country’s ongoing support for refugees and the communities that host them.

The British embassy in Amman said that, given Jordan’s role in hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world, funding provided through the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) helps improve essential services, create economic opportunities, and develop vital infrastructure for refugees, providing better living conditions and a more sustainable future.

As part of this continued support, the UK has pledged £4 million to alleviate the pressures driving refugees toward irregular migration, according to a British embassy statement.

During her visit, Chapman is set to meet with Finance Minister Abdulhakim Shibli and Minister of International Cooperation and Planning Zeina Toukan. She will also visit the Azraq refugee camp for Syrians and oversee the departure of aid convoys destined for Gaza. Additionally, Chapman plans to discuss the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), amid the ongoing Israeli blockade.

"My visit comes at a critical time," Chapman said, stressing the need for immediate violence cessation in Gaza. "Diplomacy, not bloodshed, is the only path to security for both Palestinians and Israelis."

She also underscored Jordan’s pivotal role in supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and spearheading an Arab reconstruction plan. "By working with international partners, we can help ensure a secure future where the Palestinian people can remain in their homeland," she added.

The visit follows a recent call between His Majesty King Abdullah and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, where Starmer expressed gratitude for Jordan’s leadership in regional stabilisation efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis.