Jordan puts all its diplomatic capabilities for Palestinian cause — prime minister

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Monday received Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh during which he stressed that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, is using all its diplomatic capabilities and efforts to serve the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, Khasawneh stressed that protecting Jerusalem and its holy sites and its identity is a responsibility that Jordan carries out as part of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prime minister pointed out that the priorities of the Jordanian diplomatic efforts focus on maintaining the ceasefire, preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and stopping the unilateral Israeli measures, including provocations against worshippers, building settlements and confiscation of land, in addition to supporting the steadfastness of the residents of Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem.

He also reiterated the importance of utilising the advanced status of the Palestinian cause to work towards finding a just and lasting solution that can lead to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Khasawneh stressed the importance of providing the required momentum for political and economic efforts to support the Palestinian National Authority to enable it to serve the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people.

For his part, Shtayyeh expressed the appreciation of the Palestinian leadership, government and people of the positions of Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty in support of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian prime minister also referred to the joint diplomatic effort by the foreign ministers of Jordan and Palestine with major world powers to fill the political vacuum through initiatives that contribute to finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

He also stressed the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and its role in protecting them.

Shtayyeh, who is visiting Jordan as part of a regional tour that includes several Gulf countries, highlighted the importance of launching a comprehensive national dialogue that includes all segments of the Palestinian people in a way that contributes to achieving Palestinian unity and strengthening their position and ability to restore their rights.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, the two prime ministers discussed ways to further enhance ties and develop the trade exchange volume, agreeing to hold meetings of the Joint Jordanian-Palestinian Higher Committee soon.

The two premiers also stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation between the two sides in light of the current circumstances in the occupied Palestinian territories.

They indicated the importance of the international community’s continued support to UNRWA to enable it to play its role in supporting Palestinian refugees in its areas of operations in the Palestinian territories and neighbouring countries.

Also during the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al Maliki briefed attendees on the joint diplomatic efforts, coordination and consultation related to contacts with several countries to reach an international position that supports the Palestinian cause.