'Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, we have taken in 2,5 million Syrian citizens': Mohammed bin Amin Al-Jefri, Deputy Speaker of the Saudi Consultative Assembly at the European Parliament

Parliament's Committee of Foreign affairs held an exchange of views with Mohammed bin Amin Al-Jefri, deputy speaker of the Majlis Al-Shura, the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia in Brussels on 28 September. The situation in Saudi Arabia and the region as well as the migration crisis centering on Syria and relations between the kingdom and the European Union were discussed.

"Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, we have taken in 2,5 million Syrian citizens" Mohammed bin Amin Al-Jefri said, adding that "our country has been careful not to treat them as if they were refugees" . He pointed out that medical care is provided and thousands of young Syrians have enrolled in Saudi universities.

"Relations between the EU and Saudi Arabia are extremely important,"  he said, thanking the EU for having accepted Syrian refugees:"it reflects respect for human rights".

The meeting was opened by Cristian Dan Preda (RO, NI), who expressed the condolences for pilgrimage disaster in Mecca. "Our prayers are with the families of victims and injured in these very difficult times", he said.