FM calls for end to Israeli violations as Palestine issue tops Arab League ministerial session

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi focused on the Palestinian issue during the 159th ministerial session of the Arab League which concluded its activities in Cairo on Wednesday, in an endeavour to intensify efforts to stop illegal Israeli measures that fuel tension and undermine the two-state solution. 

On the sidelines of the session, Safadi held a number of meetings with his counterparts to discuss the Palestinian issue, bilateral relations and the Jordanian initiative to resolve the Syrian crisis, said a Foreign Ministry statement.

Calling for ending all Israeli measures that undermine the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace, Safadi focused on the efforts led by the Kingdom to halt the deterioration and find a “political horizon” to re-launch serious and effective negotiations to resolve the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, in a way that guarantees the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the lines of June 4, 1967.

Safadi also discussed the Jordanian initiative to solve the Syrian crisis through direct Arab engagement with the Syrian government and gradually address all its humanitarian, security and political consequences.

Holding extensive talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Safadi discussed bilateral relations, the Palestinian issue, and the Jordanian initiative to resolve the Syrian crisis.

Meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Safadi focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation, within the framework of tripartite cooperation with Egypt. 

The two sides also reviewed regional developments and efforts to resolve crises.

In a meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al Sabah, Safadi discussed the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields.

They also talked about Arab and regional issues, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.

Safadi and the Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two kingdoms, reviewing regional and international developments.

Safadi and Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush talked about strengthening cooperation between the two countries, efforts to reach a political solution to the Libyan crisis, and strengthening joint Arab action.

During his meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Abshir Omar Jama, Safadi affirmed Jordan's support for the efforts of the Somali federal government which aim at achieving security and combating terrorism.

Safadi met Qatar’s Foreign Minister Soltan Muraikhi, highlighting the progress of bilateral relations between the two countries, which are moving towards “broader horizons of cooperation” in many fields.

Holding talks with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, he discussed bilateral relations between the friendly countries and ways to develop them.

Safadi chaired the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee in charge of international action to confront illegal Israeli policies and measures in the occupied city of Jerusalem.

The Jordanian minister reviewed efforts exerted by the committee and its endeavours to mobilise international support to stop illegal Israeli measures in occupied Jerusalem.

He reaffirmed Jordan’s continuous efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as part of the Hashemite Custodianship to protect and preserve the holy sites’ Arab, Islamic and Christian identity.