Newly-appointed Minister for the Middle East makes Jordan first stop on Middle East tour
Dr. Andrew Murrison, the new Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, visited Jordan on his first overseas trip in his new role. Dr Murrison saw first-hand how the close partnership between the UK and Jordan was helping to build the country’s prosperity and resilience, including seeing the progress that had been made since the Jordan: Growth and Opportunity conference in London earlier this year.
The Minister arrived in Jordan late on Saturday night before spending Sunday meeting in a series of meetings with Ministers and experts, as well as seeing Jordan’s response to the Syria crisis.
He began his visit by travelling to a UK-funded program supporting refugees and vulnerable communities with legal assistance, where he was able to hear personal accounts from both Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians.
In a meeting at the Royal Court, the Minister discussed the long-term UK-Jordan partnership and the Middle East Peace Process. He underlined the UK’s support for a two-state solution, as well as touching on other regional issues, before meeting Foreign Minister Safadi where he reiterated the UK’s preference for a two-state solution as well as for a secure, stable and economically sustainable Jordan.
Calling on the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) Minister Dr. Mohammad Al-Ississ, Dr. Murrison heard about progress on the London Conference commitments and to discuss next steps for collaboration, including on projects to support refugees and vulnerable Jordanians.
The Minister later met with the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jordan, Mohammad al Adar, to discuss the challenges faced by the UN community and UNRWA in particular, as well as to examine ways to further support the close working relationship between the UK and UNRWA.
Before departing, the visiting Mister enjoyed an Iftar meal hosted by Ambassador Edward Oakden, where he met experts on the key political and economic issues affecting Jordan today.
“Visiting Jordan was an important opportunity for me to personally hear about the progress that has taken place since the London Conference and discuss the next steps for our partnership. I have had an opportunity to see the work of the Jordanian Government and the difference that UK aid is making to all communities in Jordan.” “The UK remains committed to our mutual long-term security, stability and prosperity through the UK-Jordan Partnership, just as it remains committed to a two-state solution with Jerusalem as a shared capital.“I have also had a chance to experience the renowned Jordanian hospitality. I hope that on my next visit I can see some of the sights that make this country such an attraction for film-makers and tourists. Until then may I wish everyone Ramadan Kareem.”Dr. Andrew Murrison, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development
