Germany to support Jordan on Syrian refugees

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that her country is willing to support Jordan to bear the burden of over one million Syrian refugees who fled to the country since the Syrian civil war erupted four years ago, the official Jordanian news agency reported.

The German minister met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to discuss the latest regional and international developments, as well as efforts within the international coalition to combat terrorism and extremism.

During their meeting, King Abdullah II remarked on his participation in the Paris rally on Sunday, saying that: “It was very important to attend the Paris rally yesterday because we are in a war against terrorism and extremism, and standing alongside our friends the French is a clear indication of our anti-violence and anti- extremism position.

“We condemn violence and terrorism, not only that which we have recently witnessed in France, but in Canada and Australia as well. Through our participation we send a message of solidarity to millions of French Muslims, the majority of whom stand against the violence that has been committed in France,” he added.

The Jordanian King stressed the importance of relations between Germany and Jordan and cooperation in various fields, especially efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.

The German minister remarked on the participation of world leaders in the Paris rally saying that, “the scene in Paris is very important. Heads of state united to say no to terrorism and yes to freedom and tolerance. It was a very strong message, and I think everyone received the message and we view your role, as a King and the people of the state very pivotal as you represent a link between the Western and Islamic world.”

The minister commended the relations between Jordan and Germany, stressing the importance of Jordan’s role in dealing with regional and world issues.

Jordanian shares a 375 km border with Syrian, which includes dozens of illegal outlets used by Syrian refugees to cross into Jordan and making the kingdom one of the countries most affected by the Syrian crisis.

The Kingdom currently hosts over one million Syrians, only 650,000 of whom are officially registered as refugees with the United Nations.