Jordanian FM meets with German counterpart, hold press conference

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Nasser Judeh and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on Saturday, discussed a number of Middle East issues and bilateral ties. The talks tackled international efforts to fight terrorism and extremist groups and efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. The two discussed Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen and called for finding political solutions to the crises in these countries.

The meeting touched on burdens being borne by Jordan as a result of hosting a massive influx of Syrian refugees on its territory, stressing the need for additional international assistance to Jordan to help it grapple with this enormous burden.

Judeh called for intensifying efforts to set the ground for Palestinian-Israeli peace talks to resume, adding that Jordan has a key interest in the peace process and in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil.

The German Foreign Minister said his country considers Jordan an important strategic partner and appreciates its pivotal role to bring about security and stability in the region.

In a joint press conference after the meeting, Judeh said Jordan has been and will remain spearheading counterterror and counter-extremism efforts. He emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to deal with terrorism and extremism. Answering on a question on peacemaking, Judeh said the whole world in unanimous on the need for comprehensive and time-framed negotiations that culminate with the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Steinmeier voiced Germany's respect and support for the pivotal role of Jordan in this turbulent part of the world. He called on the international community to provide additional support to Jordan to mitigate the Syrian refugees crisis.