Ties, region dominate Safadi's talks with Dutch foreign minister

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Dutch counterpart Stef Blok on Monday held talks that stressed both countries’ keenness to develop bilateral relations and increase cooperation and coordination over efforts in reaching solutions to regional crises and achieving security and stability.

Both ministers voiced solidarity in the fight against the pandemic and its repercussions under the “distinguished ties” between the two countries, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Blok also went over preparations for the fifth Brussels conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, highlighting the importance of the event in urging the international community to continue supporting Syrian refugees through financial aid necessary to face this crisis.

In this regard, Safadi praised the Netherlands’ support to Syrian refugees and its commitment to help Jordanian efforts in meeting refugees’ needs.

The two ministers reviewed efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

They also discussed the latest developments pertaining to the Palestinian cause, where Safadi stressed that “there is no alternative to the two-state solution based on international law and international legitimacy resolutions as a means to end the conflict and realise a comprehensive and fair peace”.

Safadi also expressed appreciation of the Netherlands’ stance that supports the two-state solution, voicing Amman’s gratitude for Amsterdam’s continuous assistance to UNRWA.

Blok highlighted the importance of the Jordanian role in realising regional security and stability, stressing that his country looks at Jordan as a “main partner” and praises the Kingdom’s “big humanitarian role” in hosting Syrian refugees.

The two ministers agreed to sustain communication and action towards developing cooperation in various fields.