Safadi holds talks with UK’s Cleverly, Egypt's Shoukri

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly on Wednesday held talks over means to enhance cooperation between the two countries, which enjoy "strategic partnership" in bilateral fields, and over efforts to address regional challenges.

During a telephone call, Safadi highlighted the “important role” the UK plays in efforts to overcome regional crises, mainly in endeavours aimed at stopping Israel from annexing Palestinian territories and reaching solid grounds to realise a just peace based on the two-state solution, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The two ministers called for cooperation in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions, concurring that dealing with the virus requires "full international coordination and solidarity".

Safadi and Cleverly reiterated the significance of continuing steps towards enhancing cooperation, building upon the London conference's economic outcomes and shouldering the burdens of hosting refugees. 

For his part, the UK minister expressed his country's appreciation for the Jordanian role in enhancing regional security and stability, stressing London's support to Amman in facing economic hardships. 

They also reviewed regional developments, mainly those pertaining to efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, as well as supporting Iraq in maintaining stability and meeting Iraqis' aspirations.

Safadi and Cleverly also agreed to continue cooperation, consultation and coordination to serve joint interests and to contribute to solving regional crises.   

Also on Wednesday, Safadi and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukri discussed the two countries' continuous consultations to coordinate stances on regional developments in a way that serves joint interests and Arab causes. 

Speaking during a phone call, Safadi and Shoukri focused on efforts to stop the implementation of the Israeli decision to annex Palestinian territories and means to protect efforts to realise just and comprehensive peace from the repercussions of the decision.

Safadi also highlighted the importance of reaching a solution through dialogue to the Renaissance Dam issue according to international law in a way that guarantees water rights for Egypt and all sides, according to a separate Foreign Ministry statement.