UN renews support for Jordan’s regional efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday met with UN General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft and discussed the UN's role in dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis, of which Jordan has been shouldering a massive burden due to hosting 1.3 million Syrians.

The King thanked UN organisations for their support and assistance to alleviate the burden on Jordan, as it works to provide humanitarian and relief services to Syrian refugees, a Royal Court statement said.

Discussions at the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, also covered international counterterrorism efforts and the latest developments in Syria and Iraq.

Lykketoft reaffirmed the UN's support for the Kingdom to enable it to deal with the repercussions of regional crises, especially the Syrian refugee burden, and to achieve sustainable development.

The official also commended Jordan’s approach to the crises and challenges in the Middle East. Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, King’s Office Director Jafar Hassan, and Lykketoft’s accompanying delegation also attended the meeting, the statement said.

Also on Wednesday, Lykketoft visited the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Mafraq, some 90km northeast of Amman, and praised Jordan for addressing refugees’ needs, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The official said he has visited several refugee camps around the world, but he had not seen services with the same high standards followed by Jordan, according to Petra.