AMMAN, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Monday voiced appreciation for the aid from Gulf countries worth 2.5 billion U.S. dollars, saying it will help address challenges the country is going through, state-run Petra News Agency reported.
Jordan's Prime Minister-designate Omar Razzaz made the comment after meeting with leaders of political parties, during which he thanked Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) and Kuwait for the aid they pledged to deliver to Jordan to help it overcome the economic challenges.
"Our brothers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE took the initiative to stand with us in these difficult circumstances," Razzaz said.
Also on Monday, the Lower House of Parliament said it highly appreciated the outcome of the Mecca meeting, which discussed ways to support Jordan to overcome the current economic crisis.
In a statement, the House said that the initiative of the Saudi king to hold a meeting in Mecca stems from the keenness to help Jordan and awareness of the importance of Jordan to Arab brothers, especially in the Arab Gulf region.
The statement stressed that Jordan, under the leadership of King Abdullah II, managed to overcome major challenges in the past years, pointing out that the influx of migrants, including Syrian refugees, placed a heavy burden on the kingdom.
It added that the aid provided to Jordan will strengthen the kingdom's economy in easing the burden resulting from the Syrian refugee crisis.
Earlier on Monday, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE pledged 2.5 billion dollars in support for Jordan's economy.
The aid includes a deposit at the Central Bank of Jordan, guarantees to be presented to the World Bank in favor of Jordan, budget support for five years and funding of development projects.
The aid was announced after protests were held across Jordan over the country's economic policies and difficult financial and economic conditions.
