Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of Government policy towards Jordan. [149083]

Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State: The UK's policy towards Jordan reflects the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's priorities of safeguarding Britain's national security, building Britain's prosperity and supporting British nationals around the world.

We continue to believe that increased political participation by citizens and greater economic opportunity offering them a greater stake in their state is the surest route to long-term regional stability. We welcomed parliamentary elections held in January 2013 and look forward to working with the new Jordanian Government to assist the implementation of political and economic reforms, including through support from the Arab Partnership.

We are also assisting Jordan to host the over 330,000 registered Syrian refugees. Additionally the UK works closely with Jordan on issues of mutual interest, including regional foreign policy, counter-terrorism and defence.

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