Prime minister meets with French defense minister

Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki Tuesday received French Defense Minister Florence Parly and discussed with her cooperation between Jordan and France in the defense domain and a number of Middle East issues.

Al-Mulki stressed the importance of institutionalizing Jordanian-French defense cooperation in order to face common dangers such as terrorism and maintaining regional and international security and stability.

The prime minister expressed his appreciation of France’s support for Jordan in various fields, pointing out that French investments in Jordan are the largest foreign investments in the Kingdom totaling about JOD5 billion.

The discussions covered a number of Middle East issues, including the Syrian refugee crisis, which the prime minister said places enormous pressures on Jordan’s economy as more than 1.3 million Syrians sought refuge in the Kingdom.

Al-Mulki said he is confident that the tripartite agreement reached 10 days ago in Amman between Jordan, the United States and the Russian Federation would establish a cease-fire in southwestern Syria and cement confidence among all parties.

Speaking on the Palestinian issue, the prime minister said the failure to reach a just solution to this issue remains the basis and root of all problems and challenges in the region and continues to fuel frustration and extremism.

The French minister stressed the distinguished relations between Jordan and France and said her country is keen to enhance joint cooperation in the military and defense domains.

She also said Paris appreciates Jordan’s regional role hailing the Kingdom as a factor of security and stability in the region.

Source: Fana News