Prime Minister Hani Mulki Tuesday welcomed Rapporteur for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Josette Durrieu, and stressed Jordan’s strong, historic relations with the European Union and the need to further cement cooperation.

During a meeting, attended by Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Mousa Ma’ytah, Mulki spoke about the pressure and economic challenges Jordan is facing as a result of hosting Syrian refugees. The refugee problem, he said, is an international issue that Jordan had undertaken on behalf of the world community.

Despite the regional turmoil, Jordan, thanks to its Hashemite leadership, was able to preserve its security and stability though it came at a heavy economic price, Mulki remarked.

He reiterated that there is no military solution in war-torn Syria, adding that a political solution had to be found based on international terms of reference and the Geneva Conference. He also said the Astana ceasefire talks would enhance the prospects of a political solution.

The prime minister also said the Palestine cause is the core issue in the region and that efforts should be made to find a comprehensive settlement according to the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along July 4, 1967 borders.

He warned that a political and economic impasse regarding the Palestinian problem would breed more violence and extremism in the region. He said an Arab summit Jordan hosted recently had put the focus on injecting momentum into the peace process and relaunched the 2002 Arab peace Initiative, the most comprehensive framework to bring about peace in the region.

Mulki also said that since the start of the year, his government had embarked on a growth-stimulating package in many vital sectors, noting that all fourth quarter indications showed a noticeable improvement in the tourism sector, which contributes by 18 per cent in GDP, extractive industries, banking services and expats remittances.

For her part, Durrieu stressed the Jordan-EU partnership, noting that Amman’s request to join PACE in 2015 was unanimously approved without objection by any member country.

She said the EU had a positive image about Jordan as it recognised the burdens the Kingdom bears for hosting refugees, noting the Kingdom’s role as a key stabilizing factor in the region.

Durrieu said the Council of Europe, which was established in 1949, focuses on such areas as state of law, democracy and human rights, noting that the council is keen on increasing cooperation with Jordan in judicial, legislative and social cooperation fields as well as enhancing women’s role.