Jordan’s stability important for region — Ensour

AMMAN — Jordan’s stability is important for the security and stability of the entire region, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Saturday, calling for international support amidst the influx of Syrian refugees.

During a meeting with Marc Garneau, foreign affairs critic for the Liberal Party of Canada and member of the Canadian House of Commons, Ensour said Jordan’s plans for economic recovery, after the 2008 financial crisis, ground to a halt under the effect of the Syrian refugee crisis.

The region has been plagued by decades of wars and instability due to the failure to resolve the Palestinian issue, the premier said, calling for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that will contribute to addressing other regional challenges.

He stressed Jordan’s support for efforts aimed at moving the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks forward, especially those exerted by US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Ensour expressed hope that the next week’s Egyptian presidential election will be a step towards restoring Egypt’s prominent role in the Muslim and Arab arena.

Garneau said his tour, which includes Israel, the West Bank and Egypt, is aimed at getting a first-hand look at the latest political events in the region. 

Commending Jordan’s role in hosting Syrian refugees, he said he did not expect the Syrian crisis to end soon.

Garneau described the Kingdom as a model for security and stability in the Middle East.