PM briefs US delegates on effect of regional crises on Jordan

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Monday met with a delegation of congressional aides and reviewed the reforms being implemented in the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the meeting, attended by acting Foreign Minister and ICT Minister Majd Shweikeh, Ensour discussed the conditions in the Middle East and their repercussions on Jordan, highlighting the Syrian refugee influx and the border closures with Iraq and Syria. 

Jordan, he said, is currently preparing to hold parliamentary elections in the upcoming stage.

Hosting around 1.3 million Syrians, the premier added, is placing pressure on the Kingdom›s main sectors, such as health and education, as international support is not enough to keep up with the burden.

He thanked the US for its support and cooperation, especially in counterterrorism efforts.

Also on Monday, Senate President Faisal Fayez met with the congressional aides and briefed them on Jordan’s efforts to spread peace, highlighting the Kingdom’s stable regional and international relations and its strategic ties with the US.

Fayez also commended the US’ supportive stances to Jordan.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh also met with the delegates and discussed the latest constitutional amendments as part of Jordan’s comprehensive reform process.

Tarawneh also talked about the Palestinian cause and the recurrent Israeli violations.

For their part, the delegates commended Jordan’s role in dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis.