FM meets with delegation from Norway Defence University College

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday received a delegation of participants in the higher executive course at the Norwegian Defence University College.

The delegates comprised members of the Norwegian parliament and representatives of the ministries of defence, foreign affairs, finance, transport, justice, energy and health, in addition to personnel from the Norwegian armed forces, security apparatuses and media outlets, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi stressed the "strong, friendly" relations between Jordan and Norway, referring to the deep cooperation and intensified action to further boost these ties and the "high level" of coordination between the two countries in addressing regional challenges.

The minister reviewed Jordanian efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, to instill security and stability in the region, solve regional crises, increase regional cooperation and realise just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

Safadi praised the Norwegian stance regarding the Palestinian cause and supporting the two-state solution, as well as the country’s support for UNRWA.

He also referred to the main role of Norway in supporting the Palestinian economy through its presidency of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee.

The minister also expressed appreciation for Norway's assistance to help Jordan with the hosting of refugees, acquainting delegates with the pressures the Kingdom faces as a result of this responsibility, as well as the drop in international support for refuges and the associated UN organisations. Safadi also noted the negative effects that this drop in support causes for refugees and host countries alike.

This year, Norway pledged $124 million to UNRWA over the course of four years. The country also participated in the ministerial meeting that was coorganised by Jordan and Sweden last month to support UNRWA on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

Norway, earlier this year, also pledged $160 million to support Syria and countries in the region hosting Syrian refugees, the statement added.