Ammon News - LONDON (Petra)-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs Nasser Judeh held talks on Thursday with British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London on bilateral ties and the latest regional developments, especially the Syrian crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
The two sides stressed the need to continue coordination, cooperation and consultation on various current regional issues.
Judeh briefed his British counterpart on the results of the meeting of foreign ministers of countries neighboring Syria, which was held in Geneva on Wednesday upon an invitation by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to coordinate efforts and stands related to hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees in these countries and bring more world attention to this worsening humanitarian crisis The two sides stressed the need to end the cycle of violence and bloodshed in Syria. Judeh reiterated Jordan's firm stand calling for the need to reach a fast settlement that ensures the security and safety of Syria and its territorial integrity through the participation of all Syrians.
Judeh briefed Hague on the humanitarian consequences of the Syrian situation on Jordan "by hosting around 580,000 Syrians, provide them with services and pressure imposed on Jordan's economy in the energy, water, education and health sectors despite its limited economic resources," calling on "the international community to help us to face the consequences of the flow of Syrian refugees to Jordan." Judeh expressed appreciation for the British constant assistance to Jordan in all fields, especially regarding hosting the Syrian refugees.
The two sides also discussed the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis, which is held with US sponsorship, stressing the need to consolidate efforts to make these talks succeed to achieve the aspired goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Judeh and Hague expressed appreciation and support for the US sponsorship for these talks.
They also pointed out the importance of the upcoming meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Arab ministerial delegation, which is assigned by the Arab League to contact the US Administration, in Paris next Sunday to hold consultations on the latest developments of the peace talks and support Kerry's efforts in this regard.
Judeh briefed Hague on Jordan's efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to achieve peace and establish the Palestinian state, noting that Jordan considers the establishment of such a state a high Jordanian interest as it is a Palestinian interest, noting that all final status issues, including Jerusalem, security, water, borders and refugees are related to vital Jordanian interests.
For his part, Hague praised Jordan's role, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, to achieve peace and stability in the region, reiterating Britain's support for these efforts and its keenness to continue coordination with Jordan.
He said London realizes the pressure caused by hosting Syrian refugees on Jordan's economy, affirming his country's continued support to Jordan.