The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Sunday cash-strapped Jordan needs help to cope with hosting tens of thousands of Syrians who have fled the unrest in their country to the neighbouring kingdom.

"Jordan has always been generous to refugees. Neighbouring and other friendly countries should help the kingdom cope with the Syrian refugees," UNHCR representative in Jordan, Andrew Harper, told Prime Minister Awan Khasawneh at a meeting.

"The UNHCR is working with other international bodies to aid Jordan and help the government register the Syrian refugees," the state-run Petra news agency quoted Harper as saying.

The UN agency said on Thursday the number of registered Syrians in Jordan reached around 12,500 this month, adding that they are expected to rise.

"The Jordanian government and UNHCR believe there are tens of thousands of vulnerable Syrians in the country," it said. [AFP]