The foreign minister has called for the European Union to increase its support for Jordan in light of its efforts to help refugees.
During an official visit to Amman on Wednesday, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that unless Jordan successfully handles the challenge of the refugee problem, hundreds of thousands will set off for Europe, creating further tensions.
Minister Szijjártó also expressed his appreciation for Jordan’s accommodation of refugees from war-stricken neighboring countries. “We think that aid should be delivered where it is needed. We should ensure that those forced to leave their homes can stay as close as possible and return once the conflict is over,” he said.
The foreign minister said the EU should strike a free trade deal with Jordan so that Jordanian goods and services can reach Europe’s markets.
Minister Szijjártó also spoke highly of Jordan’s approach to its Christian communities, and said that if all countries in the region treated Christians as Jordan, that region would “certainly be a happier and more secure” place.