FM meets German, Norwegian counterparts on sidelines of 5th Stockholm Initiative meeting

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and discussed means to cement bilateral partnership. 

During their meeting on the sidelines of the fifth ministerial meeting of the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament, the two ministers discussed cooperation programmes in several sectors, including environmental protection, combating climate change, developing clean energy and water sources, economy, investment and defence, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Congratulating Baerbock on assuming her duties as minister of foreign affairs, Safadi voiced Jordan's appreciation for the support provided by Germany to the Kingdom in support of Jordan’s developmental journey and its endeavour to provide a decent life for refugees.

Discussing regional issues and efforts exerted to achieve regional security and stability, the two ministers reviewed developments related to the Palestinian issue, affirming the continuation of joint work to achieve a just and comprehensive peace through the Munich Group, which includes the Kingdom, Germany as well as Egypt and France. 

Safadi briefed the German minister on the efforts made by the Kingdom to return to serious negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that constitutes an Arab strategic option and an international necessity, highlighting that the only way to achieve it is through a two-state solution based on international law and references.

The two ministers also focused on the Syrian crisis and the refugee issue, in addition to supporting Iraq's stability and security.

Baerbock praised Jordan's efforts aimed at achieving regional security and stability and its humanitarian role in hosting Syrian refugees and providing them with a decent life.

The two ministers agreed on increasing bilateral cooperation and deepening coordination pertaining to regional issues. 

Germany, the second-largest supporter of Jordan, has cooperated with Jordan to develop water resources and relaunch peace talks through the Munich Group.

Safadi also met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, discussing bilateral relations and regional developments. 

Affirming the strength of Jordanian-Norwegian relations, they stressed the need for the two countries to find broader prospects for cooperation in various fields.

They reviewed the outcomes of the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) to coordinate the delivery of international aid to Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority, which was hosted by Norway last month.

Safadi called for stopping all illegal Israeli measures that undermine the two-state solution, especially the construction and expansion of settlements, seizing Palestinian lands and displacing Palestinians from their homes. 

He also stressed the need to respect the historical and legal status quo of Al Aqsa Mosque.

Highlighting Norway's main role in supporting the Palestinian economy through its chairmanship of the AHLC and its efforts to support the peace process, Safadi expressed appreciation towards Norway’s support for Jordan’s developmental process and its hosting of refugees. 

During Jordan’s participation in the AHLC Committee, Safadi stressed the need to support the Palestinians economically and mobilise efforts to achieve a just peace on the basis of the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital on the lines of June 4, 1967, to live in security and peace alongside Israel, in accordance with international law and resolutions.

Safadi and his Norwegian counterpart, who stressed her country's keenness to deepen cooperation and coordination with Jordan, agreed to continue consultations to activate the peace process and identify priorities for cooperation in the next stage.