Brussels, 03/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - Jordan's Minister for the National Plan Dr Bassem Awadallah was on visit to the European Commission on 25 February. While there, he met European External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten. The aim of the visit was to study, together, the risks that the Kingdom of Jordan would have to face if there were a war at its border. Jordan not only fears the direct consequences that a war would have on its economy and trade but also the flow of Iraqi refugees fleeing combat zones. The discussion covered the need to prepare for such eventualities by setting up an emergency aid programme. Official sources say that Commissioner Patten declared the EU would not remain insensitive to the humanitarian needs of Jordan if there were conflict.
EU-Jordan bilateral relations were also discussed, for which implementation would take place in good conditions. On this occasion, the European Commission restated its support to the Agadir Agreement to which Jordan is party.
Furthermore, the sister of former King Hussein of Jordan will be received on 4 March by several members of the European Commission for a courtesy visit during which questions relating to the stimulation of the civil society, human rights education, social protection and the promotion of women's rights will be tackled.