Foreign minister emphasises Jordan-EU partnership

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday emphasised the depth of the Jordanian-European partnership, expressing keenness to strengthen relations in various fields to serve common interests.

During a meeting with the ambassadors of EU  countries and the head of the EU mission in Jordan, Safadi discussed means of enhancing cooperation, with talks also went over the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Reviewing the cooperation aspects between the Kingdom and the EU, Safadi expressed appreciation for the EU's “unceasing support” for Jordan's efforts to achieve development and handle the impacts of regional and international crises.

He also referred to the outcome of the 14th meeting of the Jordan-EU Association Council, which was held at the Dead Sea in June.

Holding the meeting for the first time in an EU's Southern Neighbourhood country confirms the solid partnership between the two parties, he said.

The Association Council adopted new Partnership Priorities to guide the relations until 2027, which shows the two sides' keenness to bolster cooperation to achieve regional security and stability.

The developments related to the Palestinian cause, notably efforts towards finding a "real political will" that allows the resumption of serious and effective negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, were discussed.

Safadi reiterated that the two-state solution is the sole path to peace, expressing appreciation for the EU’s stance, which committed to the two-state solution.

He also thanked the EU and its countries for their continuous assistance to UNRWA, stressing the importance of sustaining support to help the agency to implement its complete UN mandate by providing vital services to Palestinian refugees.

He also drew attention to the need to maintain support for the victims of crises and meet their needs, commending the international community's response to ease the burdens that Jordan bears due to the Syrian refugee crisis, warning of the "remarkable decline" in international support for refugees in the region and for partner UN institutions providing services to refugees.

Safadi highlighted the need for mobilising joint action to ensure support for refugees and the host communities.

He also expressed the Kingdom's keenness to maintain cooperation and coordination with the EU and its countries in various fields to serve shared objectives pertaining to resolving regional crises, and achieving development, security and stability.