Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, met with his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallström during his visit to Stockholm, Sweden on Thursday, August 23, 2018.

Jordan and Sweden agreed to increase their joint efforts to mobilize financial and political support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which currently faces a $ 217 million deficit.

The two ministers –and in coordination with UNRWA and the European Union- plan on organizing an meeting next month with donor countries to further discuss ways of supporting the Agency in overcoming its financial deficit. The meeting will aim to enable the Agency to continue providing its vital services to Palestinian refugees as mandated by the United Nations.

The event will work on developing an action plan to raise immediate funds as well as explore effective means of sustaining future funds to support UNRWA.

Safadi and Wallström voiced their concern of the serious consequences that would arise if UNRWA is no longer able to provide its health, relief and educational services – as the Agency currently provides these services to around 5 million Palestinian refugees.

Safadi expressed his appreciation of Sweden's support to the Palestinian cause and its continuous efforts in serving the refugees.

Jordan is currently conducting contacts and consultations with several donor countries to mobilize financial and political support for the Agency. FM Safadi has recently met with US officials in Washington where he discussed the same matter. He also conducted various meetings and phone calls with Arab leaders including Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.