Jordan willing to further engage in non-proliferation efforts — FM

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Monday said Jordan will not spare any effort to advance the cause of disarmament and the creation of nuclear-free world. 

Addressing the UN General Assembly conference on reviewing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which was held in New York, he underlined the Kingdom's keenness to cooperate with all countries willing to take part in this endeavour, especially amid growing conflicts and terrorism.

The world is seeing an unprecedented growth of extremism and terrorism, he said, adding that it is alarming that some terrorist groups might be able to obtain weapons of mass destruction, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Judeh said Jordan maintains strong relations with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Organisation.  

He cited the developments in nuclear negotiations with Iran as "positive”.

On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held a joint meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and US Secretary of State John Kerry, during which talks covered the need to continue trilateral coordination over issues of concern. 

Discussions also focused on the latest political developments in Yemen and the importance of coordination between members of the coalition taking part in the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen. 

They also discussed challenges facing efforts to relaunch Middle East peace talks according to a time frame that leads to the establishment of a two-state solution. 

They also reviewed the developments in Libya, Syria and Iraq. 

In a separate meeting with Kerry, Judeh highlighted the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Jordan and the humanitarian efforts exerted by the Kingdom towards the Syrian refugees.

Also on Monday, Judeh met Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom and discussed bilateral ties.

Both ministers voiced their keenness to continue consultations on various regional issues.

The foreign minister also met with UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura and discussed the situation in Syria and preparations to hold the Geneva III Conference.

Judeh voiced Jordan’s full support for efforts of the UN envoy and reiterated its stance that calls for a political solution in Syria that guarantees the security and unity of the country, according to Petra.