Safadi, Norwegian counterpart meet in New York over Palestinian issue

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Norwegian Foreign Minister AnnikenHuitfeldt met on Monday to discuss means to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on developments pertaining to the Palestinian issue. 

The two ministers stressed keenness to continue joint action to enhance cooperation in various fields and sustain coordinated efforts to solve regional crises, according to a ministry statement.

During the meeting held in New York, Safadi acquainted his Norwegian counterpart with efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to find real grounds to realise a just and comprehensive peace towards the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution.

The meeting was held prior to another UN Security Council meeting on the conditions in the Middle East and developments of the Palestinian issue chaired by Huitfeldt. 

Safadi stressed the danger of lacking a political horizon to resume serious and effective negotiations to end the conflict based on the two-state solution under the deteriorating economic conditions in the Palestinian territories.

He added that maintaining a comprehensive calm, which all are keen on, requires quick and effective mobilisation to revive peace efforts and halt all illegitimate and illegal procedures that undermine the two-state solution, especially settlement construction, Palestinian land confiscation, and forcible migration. 

The minister also stressed the importance of respecting the existing historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. 

He also called on his Norwegian counterpart, who is head of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Coordination of International Aid to the Palestinian People (AHLC), to offer emergency aid to the Palestinian economy and provide necessary funds for UNRWA.

Safadi also praised Norway’s supportive stance on the two-state solution and its pivotal role in providing financial support to the Palestinian economy through heading AHLC.

Huitfeldt also voiced keenness to continue coordinated efforts to activate the peace process with the Kingdom, commending Jordan’s role in efforts to solve regional crises and realise security and stability.