Jordan, Cyprus ‘moving forward’ with economic, tourism partnerships

AMMAN — Jordan and Cyprus on Thursday stressed that they are moving forward in developing their partnership and enhancing cooperation at the economic, investment and tourism levels.

During a meeting between Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his, Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, in Amman, both countries agreed to boost coordination on efforts to reach solutions to regional crises, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Both ministers also reviewed the steps necessary to translate the outcomes of the Jordanian-Cypriot and Jordanian-Cypriot-Greek summits into tangible achievements that can contribute to taking these ties to advanced levels.

Safadi and Christodoulides, who is visiting the Kingdom to head a meeting of his country’s ambassadors in the region that was held for the first time and hosted by Amman, discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and means of reaching solutions to regional crises, mainly the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In joint remarks to the press after the meeting, Safadi said that Jordanian-Cypriot relations are “solid, profound and constantly witnessing development”. 

The minister also expressed the Kingdom’s appreciation for the Cypriot role in supporting Jordan and enhancing its relations with the EU.

In this regard, he referred to recently signed agreements between Amman and Nicosia, noting that both countries are preparing to sign new deals, the most important of which is one on preventing double taxation. 

Safadi said that talks focused on regional issues, mainly the Palestinian cause, on which Cyprus has a “clear and unaltered” stance that agrees with Jordan on the fact that there is no solution to the conflict except through the two-state formula, as stipulated in accredited references and in a way that guarantees reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace. 

“The pillars of such a peace are clear and known,” Safadi stressed, noting that there would be no peace without ending the occupation, addressing all final status issues and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace with Israel, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

As for the question of refugees, the top diplomat reiterated that the Jordanian position is clear in that the matter is one of the final status issues that must be addressed through international legitimacy resolutions, mainly Resolution 194, which guarantees the rights of return and compensation, and the Arab Peace Initiative. 

Safadi said that he discussed the Syrian crisis with the Cypriot minister as well, with both countries agreeing on exerting more efforts to end the crisis in Syria and reaching a solution accepted by all Syrians through Resolution 2254 that guarantees the unity, stability and cohesion of the country.

For his part, Christodoulides, who is visiting the Kingdom for the third time since assuming office last year, stressed that the Jordanian role in maintaining the stability of the region is “indispensable”. 

He expressed happiness for his ministry’s decision to hold the first meeting of its regional diplomats in Amman, “which highlights the importance of the Kingdom for Cyprus”.

Safadi also met with the region’s Cypriot ambassadors and acquainted them with the Jordanian policies and stances towards Middle East issues and the procedures Amman is implementing to enhance regional security and stability.

During the meeting, the minister reviewed the steps taken by the Kingdom to realise economic growth and deal with the repercussions of the regional challenges.