Jordan reiterates ‘absolute’ solidarity with Lebanon

AMMAN — Jordan on Monday reiterated "absolute" solidarity with Lebanon, which is reeling from the deadly port blast in Beirut.

Addressing a gathering organised by the UN on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said that international aid is vital to help Lebanon overcome the tragedy, which came at a time Lebanon is experiencing severe economic crisis and the repercussion of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 "We cannot leave Lebanon alone", he said, reiterating the Kingdom's full solidarity with Beirut.

The foreign minister said that Jordan’s field hospital has started work in Beirut, and the Kingdom will continue sending assistance to Lebanon.

Safadi highlighted his recent meeting with representatives of UN organisations in Jordan, affirming that the Kingdom will provide all necessary support to Lebanon's aid operations.

Under His Majesty King Abdullah's directives, Safadi is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Tuesday to coordinate relief efforts, the statement said.

The foreign minister also extended condolences over the victims of the tragic explosion, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

He also expressed gratitude to the UN for organising the meeting following a Paris meeting, which was held at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron to mobilise support for Lebanon in the wake of the explosion.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs called for the meeting which witnessed the participation of the UN Secretary General, the Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Qatar, Iraq and Italy, in addition to the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs in Lebanon and Lebanon's Permanent Representative to the UN, as well as representatives from many countries and international organisations.