Safadi talks ties, anti-virus efforts with Japanese, Dutch counterparts

AMMAN — Jordan on Thursday reaffirmed its solidarity in facing the novel coronavirus and addressing its economic repercussions with Japan and the Netherlands.

In a phone call, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi discussed means of enhancing bilateral ties and cooperation to confront the coronavirus pandemic and its economic repercussions within the context of strategic Amman-Tokyo ties, according to a ministry statement.

Safadi expressed appreciation for Japan’s support to the Kingdom, including the economic assistance to combat the pandemic.

Referring to the latest developments related to the Palestinian cause and efforts towards resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Safadi highlighted the importance of Japan’s role in comprehensive peace efforts based on the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

He also praised Tokyo’s supportive stance to UNRWA, expressing thanks for Japan’s attendance of the strategic ministerial dialogue organised by the Kingdom and Sweden on Wednesday, which focused on mobilising support for the agency and upholding the two-state solution, rejecting any Israeli measures to annex any occupied Palestinian land.

Talks also went over regional crises, touching on international efforts towards resolving the refugee crisis and offering support to refugees and host countries, with the two sides reiterating the need for increased cooperation and deepened partnership and coordination in this field.

Also on Thursday, Safadi and the Netherlands’ Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag affirmed the two countries’ solidarity in combatting the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking over the phone, the two sides agreed on the importance of addressing the pandemic’s economic repercussions, notably those affecting small- and medium-sized enterprises, through collective international action.

Jordan, which has taken decisive preventive measures to protect the safety of its citizens, is facing difficult economic conditions and looks forward to working with its international partners to address these economic challenges, Safadi said.

He also stressed the need for international action to ensure the provision of aid and soft loans, emphasising the importance of rescheduling loans and delaying payments without additional costs, to provide the financial resources needed to overcome these economic challenges.

Kaag reiterated the support of the Netherlands for Jordan’s efforts to address the pandemic’s repercussions through the EU, which has announced new programmes to assist the Kingdom in curbing the pandemic.

Safadi noted Jordan’s appreciation for the Netherlands’ support to the Kingdom, expressing thanks for the EU’s support during these “unprecedented circumstances”.

The two sides affirmed that their countries will continue coordination and consultation within the context of their distinguished ties and the growing partnership between the two kingdoms.

The two ministers also highlighted the importance of providing the needed support to UNRWA to enable it to continue providing its vital services to Palestinian refugees, especially in light of the additional challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also voiced rejection of any Israeli measures to annex occupied Palestinian lands, stressing the illegality of such measures and warning against their dangerous repercussions, which would undermine the two-state solution.

Kaag reiterated the Netherlands’ adherence to the two-state solution as the means to resolve the conflict, in accordance with international resolutions .

Safadi urged the international community to act effectively to stop the Israeli side from annexing Palestinian lands, which would undermine comprehensive peace opportunities on the basis of the two-state solution, noting that it is a strategic Palestinian and Arab option necessary for both regional security and international peace.

The minister voiced appreciation for the Netherlands’ supportive stance towards the two-state solution.

The two sides also discussed the latest regional developments, mainly focusing on efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, in addition to means of dealing with the Syrian refugee challenge.