Safadi, UK’s Cleverly discuss refugee support, regional issues

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Thursday received UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly.

The two discussed efforts to strengthen the “strong, historical” ties between the two kingdoms, in addition to a number of regional and international issues, the foremost of which is the Palestinian cause, along with efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria and the refugees crises, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The ministers emphasised their mutual interest in strengthening economic, trade, defence and security cooperation, and reviewed opportunities for cooperation in the technical, investment, development, economic, commercial, defence and security fields as well as counter-terrorism efforts.

Safadi expressed his appreciation for the UK’s support for Jordan's economic development programmes, its support for regional crises and Cleverly’s announcement of 30 million pounds in support to the World Food Programme and UNHCR. 

Cleverly stressed the importance of Jordan's role, as led by His Majesty King Abdullah, in resolving regional crises and promoting security and stability.

In a joint press statement following the meeting, Safadi said that he and his British counterpart conducted a comprehensive, in-depth dialogue. He also noted the strong relationship between the two Royal families, and the growing ties between the two governments and peoples. 

"Historically, the UK is our oldest, and one of our most important partners. We work together out of a mutual interest in developing cooperation in various fields," Safadi added. 

Safadi noted that he and Cleverly came to an agreement with regard to increasing cooperation in economic, investment, tourism, education, defence and security matters.  

Safadi also expressed his appreciation of the UK for the decision to facilitate visa procedures for Jordanians by digitalising the process.

On the regional level, Safadi said: "We have spoken in depth about regional issues, focusing on the Palestinian issue,” expressing his appreciation for the UK’s stance in support of the two-state solution. "We and our friends in Britain agree that it is the only solution to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace, which is essential to the security and stability of the region and an international necessity."

"We are aware of the challenges facing the re-launch of serious negotiations to advance the two-state solution," Safadi added, also calling for all Israeli actions that undermine the two-state solution and prevent a comprehensive and fair peace must cease, including the expansion of settlements, the confiscation of Palestinian land, and uprooting Palestinians from of their homes," Safadi added.

Safadi emphasised the risk of continuing provocative actions at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and warned that such measures can only lead to increasing tensions and a further deteriorating situation. 

Safadi condemned the Israeli extremists’ storming of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, noting that the provocative practices are violations of international law. Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, he added.

Safadi stressed that putting an end to the deteriorating situation, finding a political horizon and advancing the process towards a comprehensive and fair peace is the only way to serve the best interests of all parties. 

"Peace is a strategic option for us, and the way to that is the two-state solution. These actions and provocations are a clear threat to the two-state solution. Therefore, they must be stopped so that we can arrive at the peace that we all want and need," he said.

Jordan continues to exert all possible efforts to stop the deterioration, protect the two-state solution and safeguard the rights of the region and its peoples to live in peace, stability and safety, he said. 

Regarding the refugee's issue, Safadi said:  "I have spoken with His Excellency about the burden that Jordan is shouldering as a result of hosting large numbers of refugees. Specifically, we talked about the decrease in the international support to Syrian refugees and organisations.”

As for Cleverly, the foreign secretary expressed his gratitude on behalf of the British people for the presence of the Jordanian Royal family at Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and for their participation in His Majesty King Charles' coronation ceremony. 

He also congratulated the Kingdom on the occasion of the wedding of HRH Crown Prince Hussein. 

He stressed the importance of Jordan’s role as an active peacemaker, appreciating His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to advance the path towards peace and regional security. He affirmed his country’s support for Jordan's efforts to improve conditions in the region.

“Our talks focused on our common desire to see a two-state solution proceed peacefully and sustainably for Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and prosperity," he said, emphasising the UK’s continued work with the Kingdom to achieve this goal.

Cleverly commended the Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem’s Christian and Islamic sites, and affirmed his support for Jordan's efforts to bring the parties together to develop a roadmap for peace.

Cleverly noted that Jordan, for many decades, has been home to a large number of refugees, who represent a large part of Jordan's population.

The UK is aware of the challenges Jordan faces, including economic and infrastructural obstacles, he said. 

Affirming the UK’s continued and long-term support to Jordan, Cleverly announced a new funding package of 30 million pounds to benefit refugees. 

The ideal resolution of the refugee crisis is to ensure that conditions are conducive to the safe and voluntary return of refugees to their home countries, he added. 

He also touched upon the increased volume of bilateral trade between the two kingdoms, noting that the UK will continue working with Jordan to build the economy and to ensure a prosperous future for all Jordanians, especially the youth.

The volume of trade between Jordan and the UK increased to JD210 million last year, and Jordan’s exports to the UK grew 162 per cent compared to the previous year.