Khirfan Meets with EU Experts at the United Nations

Eng. Rafiq Khirfan, Director General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs, met with a group of peace file experts from the missions of European Union countries to the United Nations in New York. The meeting was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan, Sheri Anderson, and UNRWA Director in Jordan, Olaf Becker.

Khirfan welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for their active role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Middle East, especially in light of current challenges. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that UNRWA receives sufficient financial resources to enable it to continue providing vital services to Palestinian refugees in Jordan and other host countries.

He explained that UNRWA plays a crucial role in delivering education, health, and social and relief services, in addition to its significant contribution to regional and global stability. He stressed that UNRWA is irreplaceable and indispensable.

Khirfan also pointed to the continued support provided by the Jordanian government to UNRWA and to Palestinian refugees, expressing concern over the financial deficit the agency has faced for years due to reduced support from some donor countries, which negatively may impact its ability to deliver basic services.

For her part, Ms. Sheri praised the stability that Jordan enjoys despite the challenges it faces due to regional circumstances, and commended the ongoing efforts by Jordan to support Palestinian refugees, stressing the need to continue supporting Jordan in facing these challenges.

Mr. Olaf, in turn, reviewed the services provided by UNRWA to Palestinian refugees in Jordan and other regions.

At the end of the meeting, Khirfan called on the EU mission to intensify its efforts within the European Union and on the international stage to ensure political and financial support for UNRWA.