Safadi, Toukan, EU officials discuss Jordan-EU partnership

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Tuesday with the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries, several members of the Committee on International Trade, and the rapporteurs of the European Parliament’s macro-financial assistance (MFA)  package for Jordan.  

During the discussions, in which Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan participated, Safadi explored ways to enhance Jordanian-European partnership relations and addressed regional developments, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.  

Safadi expressed his gratitude to Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs MEP David McAllister and the attending members for the European Parliament’s ongoing support for Jordan.

He emphasised the importance of signing the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement between Jordan and the European Union during King Abdullah’s visit to the EU on January 29.   He highlighted key aspects of the agreement, the associated aid packages, and the need to begin implementing the roadmap for the new agreement, including expanding cooperation in multiple areas, such as political, economic, investment, security, defence, migration, and refugee affairs.  

Safadi thanked the relevant European Parliament committees for their support of the first tranche of macro-financial assistance to Jordan, amounting to 500 million euros, which is set for a parliamentary vote in the coming months. 

He also stressed the need to expedite the procedures for the second 500 million euro tranche, recently approved by the European Commission, and expected to be reviewed by parliamentary committees before the end of the year.  

Toukan presented an overview of cooperation programmes between Jordan and the EU, as well as the Kingdom’s reform initiatives. 

She emphasised the importance of launching a roadmap for future cooperation to maximise the benefits of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement.  

Toukan also outlined Jordan’s economic opportunities and ongoing development projects.  

Safadi also briefed the European parliamentary committees on the impact of regional crises on Jordan, stressing the need for continued international support to help the kingdom meet the needs of refugees.  

During the meeting, Safadi condemned Israel’s renewed aggression against Gaza and warned of the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing war and Israel’s continued blockade on humanitarian aid.  

He underscored the necessity for Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US and to fully implement its provisions. He warned that resuming hostilities would only lead to further conflict and suffering.  

Safadi reiterated that the only path to lasting security for all parties is a just peace that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and an independent, sovereign state based on the two-state solution.  

In response to a question, he noted that all Arab countries have collectively affirmed their commitment to Israel’s security within the framework of a just peace based on the two-state solution, which remains the only viable path to resolving the conflict.  

Regarding Syria, Safadi emphasised the need to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country on a foundation that guarantees unity, security, and sovereignty while safeguarding the rights of all components of society after decades of suffering. 

He pointed to the crucial role of the EU in supporting a new Syria and praised the Brussels Conference on Supporting Syria, held on Monday by the EU, as a significant step in this direction.  

He also warned of the repercussions of Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory, stressing the need for Israeli withdrawal and respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, to which the Syrian government has reaffirmed its commitment. 

On Lebanon, Safadi underscored the importance of supporting the country as it moves forward in restoring its institutions and rebuilding following the election of a new president and prime minister. He also stressed the necessity of supporting the Lebanese army.  

He called on Israel to respect the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, implement all its provisions, and leave the occupied Lebanese territory as stipulated in the agreement.  

For his part, McAllister reaffirmed the significance of EU-Jordan relations, describing Jordan as a key partner for the EU. He commended Jordan’s role and King Abdullah’s leadership in promoting security, stability, and peace.  

McAllister and the attending MEPs expressed the European Parliament’s support for Jordan as a trusted and reliable partner in the region, with many lawmakers voicing appreciation for their country’s strong relations with the Kingdom.