Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman al-Safadi and Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini discussed joint efforts to provide the necessary financial support to meet the financial deficit facing the Agency and to ensure that it continues to provide its vital services to refugees according to its UN mandate.

Safadi and Lazzarini reviewed the results of intensive and continuous consultations with international partners to address the cash flow crisis in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and prevent the reflection of the financial crisis on its programs, institutions and employees.

Safadi and Lazzarini reviewed the current efforts to prepare for the international conference on UNRWA, which Jordan and Sweden are working on holding this year, which aims to strengthen the international community's commitment to UNRWA and mobilize political and financial support.

Safadi warned of the consequences that a lack of necessary financial support could have on providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in UNRWA's five areas of operation.

He stressed the need for UNRWA to continue providing its services according to its UN mandate until a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian refugee issue is reached that guarantees their right to return and compensation in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. 

Lazzarini said he valued Jordan's efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II to mobilize international support for UNRWA, stressing the importance of the role that Jordan plays in cooperation with the international community.

Safadi and Lazzarini agreed to continue bilateral coordination and consultations with Sweden and members of the Stockholm Group on ways to mobilize the necessary international support to enable the Agency to continue providing its vital services according to its UN mandate.