Foreign minister chairs 163rd session of Arab League at ministerial level

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday presided over the 163rd regular session of the Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level.

In his opening remarks, Safadi expressed appreciation to Yemen for its leadership during the 162nd session and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to enhancing joint Arab action to address regional challenges, promote shared interests, and advance peace, security and stability across the Arab world, according to a Foreign ministry statement.

“During the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's presidency of the current regular session of the Arab League at the ministerial level, we will work together, dear colleagues, to activate our collective action to address the challenges facing our region, serve our interests and contribute to achieving security, stability and a just peace.”

“True peace will remain elusive until the Palestinian people gain their full rights,” Safadi said, stressing the need to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the pre-1967 borders. "This is the only path to achieving the fair and comprehensive peace that we all seek, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy," he added.

Jordan’s top diplomat called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza, denouncing the ongoing killing, destruction, and deprivation endured by Palestinians in the besieged enclave. He also reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to working with Arab partners and the international community to secure an immediate ceasefire and ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.

Safadi also acknowledged the ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the US, emphasising the importance of implementing the prisoner exchange agreement reached through their efforts.

He also reiterated Jordan’s rejection of Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, warning that such measures threaten to escalate tensions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. 

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the historic Hashemite custodianship, preserving the city’s religious identity and the legal status quo.