President of Hungary János Áder paid an official visit to Amman and called for the European Union to increase aid to Jordan for caring for refugees. At talks with King Abdullah II, Áder expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts to accommodate refugees as well as its fight against terrorism.
In Amman, Hungarian President János Áder was was received with military honours by King Abdullah II (photo: Noémi Bruzák – MTI)
János Áder arrived for a five-day visit and he was received with military honours by King Abdullah II. He also held talks with Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki, Senate President Faisal al-Fayez and Parliamentary Speaker Atef Tarawneh. On Tuesday, the second day of his visit, Áder is participating in and addressing the opening of the 8th World Science Forum.
Áder said at a press conference in Amman that some 1.5 million people had arrived in Jordan in the past six years, raising its population by 14%. He said the king’s efforts to preserve peace within Jordan were “exemplary” and crucial for maintaining stability in the region. Financing for the refugee crisis and reducing the effects of drought caused by climate change are currently Jordan’s two most pressing problems, he said.
“Outstanding achievements”
The Hungarian President noted that over the past six years 1.5 million refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria had arrived in Jordan. It is right that international bodies should pay the costs of caring for the refugees, he said, adding that Jordan had received only half the money pledged in recent years. This year, only 20% came through, and Jordan has lost significant revenue from tourism and transit fees due to the situation, the president noted. He called Jordan’s achievements in refugee services and maintaining the peace “outstanding”.
At the Hungarian Embassy in Amman, János Áder spoke to a group of Jordanian students who had graduated in Hungary (photo: Bruzák Noémi – MTI)
Jordan shows interest in Hungarian agriculture
Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world and unless the situation changes climate change could result in 30% less rainfall by 2050, which would further boost average temperatures, President János Áder said. He noted that Jordan had expressed strong interest in Hungarian agricultural experiences, drought-tolerant plants and irrigation methods. Jordan’s prime minister will soon visit Hungary to discuss these matters, he said.
via hungarymatters.hu and MTI