FM, Algeria president meet over bilateral ties, summit preparations

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday conveyed a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding means to enhance bilateral ties and joint Arab cooperation in order to address regional challenges. 

During a meeting held in Algeria, Tebboune conveyed his greetings to His Majesty, and expressed keenness to boost Jordanian-Algerian partnerships.

In press remarks following the meeting, Safadi said that the message focused on improving cooperation and resolving regional crises, notably the Kingdom's central issue: The Palestinian cause, according to a ministry statement.

Safadi expressed appreciation for Algeria's efforts to achieve a reconciliation deal among the Palestinian factions, and welcomed the Declaration of Algiers that was made by Palestinian factions following their meeting in Algeria.

Safadi, on a working visit to Algeria, on Saturday held discussions with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad Ramtane Lamamra that focused on activating cooperation in various fields, with both sides agreeing to prepare for the meetings of the Joint Commission, which was last held in Algeria in 2018. 

The two also agreed to sign several memoranda of understanding and agreements, and to update other agreements that would advance economic, trade, tourism, educational and medical partnerships.

The two ministers also discussed resuming flights between both countries and easing visa issuance. They also drew attention to the need to link the two countries’ private sectors.

Days before Algeria hosts the 31st Arab summit, scheduled for the first of November, Safadi and Lamamra went over preparations for the summit, stressing the need to activate joint Arab action to address common challenges.

The Palestinian cause, as well as efforts to resolve crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya, was also discussed. 

Safadi stressed that meeting the Palestinian’s legitimate rights in accordance with the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital, is the sole path to a fair and comprehensive peace.

Calling for halting all unilateral Israeli measures, Safadi highlighted His Majesty’s efforts to protect the holy city’s Arab, Islamic and Christian identity in order to protect the historical and legal status quo.

Lamamra acquainted Safadi with preparations for the summit, with Safadi lauding Algeria’s efforts to make this event successful, and to enhance Arab cooperation and solidarity.

In press remarks following the meeting, Lamamra said that Safadi’s visit helps in enhancing mutual ties, noting that both parties agreed to implement a number of deals.

During his tour, Safadi on Sunday met a number of Jordanians residing in Algeria, stressing the ministry’s keenness to maintain contact with Jordanian citizens overseas. A total of 2,000 Jordanians are residing in Algeria, including 550 students, he noted.

Jordanian investments in Algeria are estimated at $1.7 billion distributed in various sectors, the leading of which is the pharmaceutical industry.

Jordanian-Algerian relations date back to 1962, while trade exchange in 2021 totalled $196 million.