Britain ‘will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jordan’ in anti-terror campaign

AMMAN — Britain will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jordan as the country continues to play a pivotal role promoting stability in the region, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said Sunday as she announced a further £100 million in assistance for the Syrian crisis.

She renewed her country’s commitment to the coalition that targets the so-called Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, stating: “We will continue to do our work.”

At a press conference held at British Ambassador Peter Millett’s residence in Amman, Greening said her country will also continue providing humanitarian aid for those who were affected by terrorism, stressing that this is part of her country’s commitment to combating the phenomenon.

During the conference, the British official said the new assistance also targets host communities.

“Almost four years since the start of the crisis, thousands of families are still unable to return home and are in need of our support. The UK’s new £100 million pledge will ensure Syrian refugees and host communities in countries like Jordan can continue to receive food, water and shelter while shoring up stretched public services.”

She did not specify Jordan’s share in the funds.

During the visit, Greening also announced a £4.7 million programme with CARE International to help more than 35,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Greening, who is accompanying Prince Charles of Wales on his visit to Jordan, said this visit underlines Britain’s solidarity with Jordan as the country mourns the appalling murder of pilot Muath Kasasbeh “another example of the sacrifices being made by the Jordanian people”.

Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour expressed appreciation of the British assistance to Jordan in general and its humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees. 

At a meeting with Greening, Ensour said that Jordan has intensified its war against IS, highlighting the need for a greater British role in mobilising the international community to support Jordanian efforts to eradicate terror.