Safadi meets with Somali, Kuwaiti, Libyan, Iraqi, Egyptian counterparts

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Somali’s Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Jama on Monday met on the sidelines of the 31st regular session of Arab foreign ministers’ meeting. 

The meeting was held in preparation for the Arab League Council summit, which is scheduled to be held on November 1-2.

During the meeting, the two sides followed up on the outcomes of the summit meeting between His Majesty King Abdullah and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, which occurred this September in New York City. 

The two ministers affirmed their keenness to develop bilateral relations, especially in the field of anti-terrorism. The Aqaba process launched by His Majesty King Abdullah was reiterated as a platform upon which a comprehensive methodological strategy in the fight against terrorism can be formed. 

Safadi expressed the Kingdom's condolences to Somalia over the victims of two terrorist attacks that resulted in a large number of civilian casualties, including one which targeted the Ministry of Education and a Higher Education building, as well as another attack, which targeted a hotel in southern Somalia. 

Jama commended the Kingdom's stances that are supportive of Somalia and its stability, voicing his country's keenness to develop bilateral relations.

The minister also extended appreciation for Jordan's active role in achieving security and stability in the region.

Safadi also met with a number of his counterparts participating in the 31st regular session of Arab foreign ministers’ meeting in preparation for the Arab League Council summit.

During these meetings, Safadi and the other foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, several regional issues and joint Arab action.

Also on Monday, Safadi met with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah.

The meeting, also held on the sidelines of the 31st regular session of Arab foreign ministers’ meeting, featured discussions of bolstering cooperation, in implementation of the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah and Kuwait Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

During this meeting, the two sides agreed to prepare to convene the Joint Jordanian-Kuwaiti Higher Committee, which was last held in February 2019 in Amman.

They also agreed to activate investment initiatives as practical steps that strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation.

They also reviewed regional issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause as the central Arab issue, stressing the continuation of coordination to resolve existing crises, achieve security and stability and serve Arab interests.

The two sides stressed the importance of bolstering joint Arab action, highlighting the importance of the Arab Summit in its thirty-first session hosted by Algeria.

Safadi and Sheikh Salem praised the growing development of bilateral ties, and Safadi congratulated Sheikh Salem on his appointment as Kuwait’s foreign minister. 

Also on Monday, on the sidelines of the Arab foreign ministers’ meeting, Safadi met with the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the developments of the Libyan crisis, with Safadi stressing the need to find a permanent solution that Libyan people agree upon that can help them achieve their aspirations and preserve their resources and the security and stability of their country.

As for Bathily, he expressed appreciation for Jordan’s support for Libya and its people, affirming his country’s keenness to continue coordination and consultation to end the crisis in a way that achieves stability and security for Libya, its people and its neighbouring countries.

Safadi, at the same event, also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein to affirm the continuation of tripartite cooperation and coordination to serve common interests and enhance Arab cooperation.

The ministers praised the efforts of the relevant ministerial teams in the three countries during the past period to achieve strategic integration.

They also stressed the need to follow up on target projects and expedite their implementation in order to maximise benefit and increase economic potential.

Safadi and Shoukry affirmed Jordan and Egypt's continued support for Iraq, adding that Iraq’s security and stability are fundamental for the security and stability of the region.

Safadi and Shoukry congratulated their Iraqi counterpart on forming the Iraqi government, affirming keenness to increase cooperation and coordination in various fields.