Safadi, Egypt’s Shoukry discuss cooperation, region

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday discussed bilateral issues and the latest regional developments, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The two ministers, over the phone, went over the preparations for a forthcoming Baghdad-held summit for the tripartite cooperation mechanism between Jordan, Egypt and Iraq.

Talks also focused on efforts towards realising a just and fair peace, based on the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The two top diplomats also highlighted the urgent necessity to resume “real” negotiations towards peace based on the two-state solution, which is “the sole way” to realise peace.

They highlighted the ongoing work within the framework of “Munich group”, which includes, besides Jordan, Egypt, Germany and France, as international partners to this end.

The statement added that Shoukry briefed Safadi on the latest developments related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Safadi reiterated that Egypt’s water security is an integral part of Arab national security, expressing the Kingdom’s full support to Cairo in preserving its rights.

Safadi drew attention to the necessity of reaching a negotiated solution to the Renaissance Dam issue, one that maintains Egypt, Sudan and all parties’ rights, calling for halting any steps that do not take into account the rights of all parties, as well as filling the dam in accordance with international law.

Egypt’s intensified efforts towards a negotiated solution show keenness to achieve justice in the distribution of the Nile water to end tensions and instill cooperation, Safadi said.

The two sides also reviewed efforts towards resolving regional crises, stressing the importance of enhancing Arab role in this area to safeguard Arab interests, notably joint security.