FM discusses plans for UfM meeting with EU foreign policy chief

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Thursday discussed preparations to hold the Union for the Mediterranean's (UfM) Second Regional Forum in Barcelona next Monday.

The forum will be co-chaired by Jordan and the EU and attended by foreign ministers and representatives of 43 countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During a meeting held on the sidelines of the Davos World Economic Forum, Safadi and Mogherini highlighted the importance of the forum, which is scheduled to focus on means to activate the UfM and expand its role in launching development and economic projects in the Mediterranean. 

The minister and the EU high representative also discussed the latest developments regarding the Palestinian cause, the Syrian crisis and efforts to resolve them. 

Safadi highlighted the importance of the international community's support for Jordan to meet the needs of Syrian refugees. 

The Kingdom hosts over 1.3 million Syrians, according to the 2015 population census. Around 655,496 Syrians are registered as refugees with the UNHCR in Jordan, according to the agency's latest available figures.

Safadi and Mogherini highlighted the importance of developing relations between the Kingdom and the EU. 

The EU official commended Jordan’s efforts to bring peace and stability to the region and the world. 

Safadi thanked the EU for its economic support, whether through development projects or aid to meet the needs of refugees. 

Also on Thursday, Safadi discussed the Palestinian cause, the Syrian crisis and bilateral relations with his Norwegian counterpart Borge Brende during a meeting in Davos. 

In an interview with CNBC Arabia, Safadi said Jordan enjoys excellent relations with Arab and international actors, thanks to the diplomatic efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah.

The Kingdom, he added, is working based on a well defined strategy geared towards peace building and maintaining stability in the region and the world, Petra reported.

The minister reiterated Jordan’s belief in the centrality of the Palestinian issue, adding that the Kingdom is also committed to working with the international community to serve Syrian refugees.