Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, mask-clad due to the COVID-19 coronavirurs pandemic, gives a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart in the capital Amman on October 19, 2020. (MUHAMMAD HAMED / POOL / AFP)

AMMAN - Jordan on Saturday stressed that there is no alternative to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said its top diplomat.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made the remarks after a meeting in Amman with Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made the remarks after a meeting in Amman with Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini

Safadi said that the agency exists under an international mandate until reaching a just solution to the Palestine refugee issue, according to a statement by Jordan's foreign ministry.

The two sides looked into joint efforts towards rallying support to the UNRWA for the agency to continue providing vital services, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"The situation is very worrying for the refugees who rely on the agency, notably those who need treatment, food, as well as the children who need to go to schools," Safadi said.

Lazzarini commended Jordan's continuous efforts in rallying support to the agency, stressing that the UNRWA's financial situation is critical and calling for urgent financial support.

The UNRWA is currently experiencing an "unprecedented" financial deficit and an increasing reliance on the agency's services amid the ongoing pandemic, he added. 

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