Ties, region top FM, Belgian counterpart meeting agenda

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday met with Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Philippe Goffin, who is on his first visit to the Kingdom after assuming his position at the end of 2019.

Safadi and Goffin affirmed that the two countries will continue work to enhance bilateral cooperation in the economic, investment and defence fields, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

They noted that the cooperation between Jordan and Belgium stems from the strong friendship between His Majesty King Abdullah and King Philippe of Belgium, as well as the “firm partnership” between the two countries' institutions.

The two ministers pointed to the formation of the Jordanian-Belgian Businessmen Council and the opening of the Belgian Development Office in Amman, stressing the emerging development in bilateral relations.

Safadi and Goffin reviewed developments in the region, with Safadi affirming Jordan’s unwavering position regarding the Palestinian cause.

Safadi highlighted the requirements for the lasting comprehensive peace Jordan seeks to achieve, at the forefront of which is the fulfillment of the Palestinians right to freedom and an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital within the June 4, 1967 lines.

Safadi expressed his appreciation for Belgium’s position on adhering to the two-state solution on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions as a way to resolve the conflict, the statement said.

The two ministers affirmed the continuation of coordination and cooperation in combatting terrorism, a common challenge that requires continued international cooperation on the military, security and ideological fronts.

The two sides also reviewed efforts being made to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis and to deescalate tensions in the Arab Gulf, the statement said.

The Belgian minister appreciated the role of Jordan and the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to achieve regional security and stability, stressing that his country sees Jordan as a major partner in the region.

He also expressed appreciation for Jordan’s great humanitarian role in caring for Syrian refugees.