Top lawmakers discuss parliamentary cooperation with Belgium

AMMAN – Senate President Faisal Al Fayez and Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Thursday met with their Belgian counterparts over parliamentary cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Fayez and Tarawneh briefed their counterparts on political and economic reforms in Jordan and burdens resulting from the Syrian crisis especially hosting large numbers of refugees.

During the meeting, which came as part of the official visit to Belgium by His Majesty King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania, Fayez and Tarawneh asserted the need to sustain coordination and exchanging visits with Belgian legislative institutions.  

The Senate president outlined Jordan stances on several current issues in the Middle East especially the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Syrian crisis and the war on terrorism. 

He also pointed out the economic impact of the challenges in the region on the provision of health, education and humanitarian aid to the refugees, stressing that Jordan supports a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

Fayez said that Jordan seeks a greater Belgian role in the EU to increase economic aid to Jordan and enable it to continue its humanitarian role to wards the Syrian refugee population. 

Tarawneh, for his part, highlighted the positive sides of the new election law, stressing that reform in Jordan is continuing on firm foundations and in well-studied steps.

For their parts, the two Belgian officials acknowledged His Majesty's role in combating terrorism and extremism and his efforts to support peace in the Middle East. They also commended Jordan's efforts to help the Syrian refugees asserting the importance of supporting Jordan to sustain its humanitarian and ethical role.