Safadi, Algeria PM voice ‘joint will’ for strengthening ties

AMMAN — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia on Sunday stressed the two countries’ keenness on improving bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, investment and security fields and enhancing coordination on regional issues.

During the meeting in Algiers, attended by Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel, Ouyahia voiced appreciation for Jordan’s stance towards Algeria and its security, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

He added that the “moderate vision and brotherly relations” shared by His Majesty King Abdullah and President of Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika contributed to enhancing cooperation and achieving common Arab goals.

Safadi reaffirmed the historical relations between Jordan and Algeria, and the “broad prospects and joint will” for expanding and strengthening them further. 

In press remarks following a separate meeting with Messahel, the two ministers stressed the need for activating economic cooperation and increasing trade exchange.

The top diplomats underscored the need for ongoing coordination in the war on terrorism, which, Safadi affirmed, contradicts the values and essence of Islam, stressing that the Kingdom is committed to combating it. 

Safadi and his counterpart discussed the Palestinian cause and called for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Safadi also highlighted the role of the Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian shrines and Jordan’s ongoing efforts to fight Israeli attempts to alter the city’s Arab identity.

Talks also covered the Syrian crisis, with both ministers calling for intensifying Arab coordination to end the Syrian conflict and achieve stability and security in Syria.

Messahel and Safadi agreed on the necessity of activating joint Arab action, stressing the need for “deep reforms” within the Arab League’s work mechanisms.

The Algerian minister pointed out the importance of the upcoming Arab Economic and Social Development summit, slated to be held in Beirut in 2019, also underscoring the need for adopting a unified Arab stance prior to the European-Arab summit, also slated for
next year.