Jordan, UK agree to intensify anti-terrorism efforts

AMMAN — The UK and Jordan agreed on Tuesday to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region and counter “destructive ideologies” that target Islam’s “tolerant message”.

At a meeting with British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood, MP, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh reaffirmed Jordan’s keenness to lead the drive against extremism and any practices violating the moderate message of Islam, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported.

Ellwood expressed his country’s understanding and support of Jordan’s role in achieving regional peace and stability.

Discussions also addressed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with Judeh reiterating calls to resume peace talks, arriving at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour also met with Ellwood and discussed international efforts to combat the terrorist threat of the Islamic State (IS) group, among other major regional issues.

Ensour examined the latest regional developments, especially in Iraq and Syria, Petra reported.

Discussions at the meeting, attended by Planning Minister Ibrahim Saif and British Ambassador Peter Millett, also covered rebuilding efforts in Gaza and the need to alleviate difficult conditions facing the strip’s residents.

Ensour also highlighted the pressures on the Kingdom’s resources and infrastructure as a result of the continued influx of Syrian refugees, as well as the country’s economic challenges.

Moreover, he outlined Jordan’s reform drive and the steps taken in that direction to enhance democracy and freedoms.

The purpose of Ellwood’s visit, according to a British embassy statement, is to see firsthand how Jordan is dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Syria and the threat of IS.

“The UK greatly values the close and productive relationship that we share with Jordan... I will also see how UK support is helping Syrian refugees in Jordan,” the statement quoted the minister as saying upon his arrival in Jordan earlier on Tuesday.