Judeh discusses Jordan-EU ties in Brussels

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Sunday discussed bilateral ties and regional developments with Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.

The talks focused on the EU support for Jordan, including the simplification of the measures of country of origin for the Jordanian products exported to European countries, in addition to the prospects of further assistance by the union to the refugee-burdened Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The two sides also discussed ways to help Jordan through the international conference on Syrian refugees, slated to be held in London at the beginning of February.

Judeh reviewed with Mogherini the latest regional developments and the international anti-terror efforts, stressing the need for more international cooperation to eradicate rising extremism.

For her part, Mogherini thanked Jordan for its efforts to achieve peace and security in the region and its humanitarian assistance to the refugees.

Judeh’s talks in Brussels came as a follow-up of Her Majesty Queen Rania’s recent visit to the Belgian capital, where she discussed with the EU senior officials the need to extend more assistance to Jordan.

On Monday, Judeh took part in a meeting for the EU Foreign Affairs Council, attended by 28 foreign ministers and ministers of state for foreign affairs from member states of the EU, in response to an invitation from the council, Petra reported.

During the meeting, which was a follow-up of the talks that His Majesty King Abdullah held recently with senior EU officials, Judeh reviewed Jordan’s efforts to support regional and international security and stability. 

He reaffirmed Jordan’s constant stance, under the leadership of King Abdullah, to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that ensures Syria’s security and unity. 

Judeh also outlined the burdens the Kingdom shoulders for hosting Syrian refugees and called on the EU member states to increase their support, stressing the importance of the donor conference to be held in London next month. 

For their part, the foreign ministers and ministers of state for foreign affairs commended Jordan’s pivotal role in dealing with regional crises.