Finalising Jordan-Turkey economic cooperation agreement ‘crucial step’

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday discussed with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu means of advancing mutual cooperation as well as regional developments and efforts aimed at resolving regional crises.

The two ministers, according to a ministry statement, reaffirmed that "Jordan and Turkey are moving forward towards taking practical steps to achieve deeper cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, tourism and defence".

They stressed that concluding the discussions over the economic cooperation agreement is a “crucial step”.

The Palestinian cause topped the discussions, with the two sides reaffirming Amman and Ankara’s unified position on the centrality of the Palestinian cause, which cannot be resolved unless the Palestinians receive all their legitimate rights, especially to establish their independent state along the June 4 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legislation.

Talks also reiterated Jerusalem’s holy status drawing attention to maintain the legal and historic status quo of the holy city and its Muslim and Christian sites.

Cavusoglu highlighted the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, while Safadi highly appreciated Turkey’s clear stance towards Jerusalem and Jordanian-Turkish ongoing coordination to safeguard the holy city’s identity. 

Safadi and Cavusoglu stressed the need to enhance efforts seeking to resolve the Syrian crisis through a political solution, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which preserves the country’s unity and cohesion, restores security and stability, achieves national reconciliation and sets the stage for the voluntary return of refugees.

The two top diplomats also underlined the importance of sustaining support to UNRWA so that it can continue playing its UN-mandated role towards the refugees, underscoring ongoing cooperation to combat terrorism and serve the two countries’ interests along with Islamic causes.

Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of preventing escalation in the Arab Gulf and defusing the crisis through dialogue to achieve regional relations that are built on the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in internal affairs.

Safadi on Monday, upon an invitation made by his Turkish counterpart, delivered a speech at the 11th Turkish Ambassadors’ Conference in Ankara.