FM, Norwegian counterpart reaffirm 'solid' ties

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt on Monday highlighted both kingdoms' ongoing efforts to strengthen the “solid” and friendly bilateral relations and bolster cooperation in various sectors.

The two ministers expressed keenness to expand cooperation in various fields, discussing means of advancing economic, trade, tourism, environmental protection, and food security-related partnerships, in addition to defence cooperation and anti-terrorism efforts, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Talks also went over regional developments, such as the Palestine cause, the Syrian crisis, the refugee issue, support for Iraq, efforts to consolidate security and stability, and the consequences of the Ukrainian crisis.

In joint press remarks following the meeting, Safadi said that the meetings with his Norwegian counterpart have been completed, noting that the gathering emphasised both kingdoms' keenness to advance bilateral relations.

The two kingdom's diplomatic relations date back more than 60 years, Safadi said, noting that coordination has been ongoing.

The discussions reviewed means to build on the outcomes of His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to Norway last March, Safadi said.

Talks highlighted the Norway-supported Sahara Forest Project (SFP),  which was launched in 2017  to address climate change-related challenges, increase green spaces and create jobs in Aqaba, Safadi said. 

Commending  Norway's stance in support of  the Palestinian cause, Safadi praised Norway for its “clear position in support of the two-state solution, clear effort in supporting the Palestinian economy, in addition to its ongoing support for UNRWA," referring to Norway's announcement of a pledge of approximately $124 million for UNRWA to be distributed over the next four years.

Jordan and Norway are on the same page in terms of the political prospects for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, he said, adding that the Norwegian minister was acquainted with Jordan's efforts to resume "serious and effective" negotiations that push towards the two-state solution that could end the occupation and realise an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also lauded Norway's support to Jordan, notably to ease the refugee-related burdens.

The assistance is essential, especially amid a decline in international support for refugees, which threatens the rights of refugees to a decent life and the ability to meet their needs, he noted.

Huitfeldt said that Jordanian-Norwegian relations are “solid” and diverse, which was evident during the successful visit of their Majesties King Harold and Queen Sonja to Jordan in 2020. The visit coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jordanian-Norwegian diplomatic relations, she noted.

"We were also honoured to receive His Majesty King Abdullah in Norway in March,'' she said, describing the visit as  successful, and emphasising the growing success in advancing relations between the two nations.

Jordan has a major role as a stabilising factor in the region, she said.

“During our meeting, we discussed the need to realise a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Talks also referred to the upcoming meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee to coordinate international aid to the Palestinians,” she said.

She also added that a visit was made to Al Baqaa Camp on Monday. Jordan and Norway have joined hands to support UNRWA to carry out its missions in support of Palestinian refugees.

Huitfeldt also visited a Syrian family living in a neighbourhood in a suburb of Amman, she said, adding: “I witnessed Jordan's hospitality to the refugees."

She also referred to her visit to a Syrian refugee camp nine years ago, noting: “I don't think that any of us had expected that the refugee situation could continue up to that long.”

Huitfeldt also went over the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on global food security, noting that although attention is drawn to the situation of Ukraine, Norway continues to support Jordan and refugee host communities.