Safadi meets Egypt FM ahead of Cairo meet

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Sunday held a consultation meeting ahead of the Quartet ministerial meeting scheduled on Monday, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Shoukry, during the Cairo-hosted Quartet ministerial meeting, will convene with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to discuss means of launching “serious” negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in accordance with the two-state solution.

The two ministers highlighted the importance of the fourth meeting held under the Munich group, notably pushing forward efforts towards peace process.

Safadi and Shoukry stressed the necessity of immediate action to resume “real” negotiations based on international law and the Arab Peace Initiative to achieve the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, living peacefully alongside Israel.

Talks during the meeting also went over bolstering Jordanian-Egyptian ties, focusing on boosting economic cooperation in various fields, notably energy, transport and trade, as well as strengthening consultation and coordination over common issues and regional challenges.

The top officials also highlighted their countries’ ongoing efforts towards enhancing Arab joint action and deepening Arab solidarity, for the best interest of Arabs and to ensure regional security and stability.

Reviewing progress that has been made in fostering cooperation with Iraq, within the framework of the tripartite cooperation mechanism, Safadi and Shoukry reiterated the two countries’ support for the efforts of the Iraqi government towards preserving Baghdad’s sovereignty, security and stability, as well as achieving economic development.

Discussions also covered the latest developments related to the Libyan crisis, with the two top diplomats emphasising support for all efforts aimed at an inter-Libyan political agreement, one that preserves Libya’s security and ends foreign interference.

The two sides also discussed the developments related to finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis, which maintains Syria’s unity and territorial integrity and restores peace and stability. 

Referring to the Renaissance Dam, Safadi stressed the need for reaching an agreement on the mechanisms of filling the dam in accordance with international law, underlining the importance of maintaining the rights of Egypt and all parties.

Egypt's water security is an integral part of Arab national security, Safadi said.

In September of 2020, the Kingdom hosted the third meeting of the Munich group.