Safadi, Norwegian counterpart discuss ceasefire efforts in Gaza

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held discussions on Wednesday, during the Oslo Forum, focused on efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of adequate aid throughout the Gaza Strip.

Safadi and Eide also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and increasing cooperation in various fields.

The two ministers affirmed the depth of the historical friendship between the two kingdoms and their commitment to developing joint work that serves their interests and contributes to reinforcing security and stability in the region.

Safadi commended Norway's decision to recognise the Palestinian state, calling it an important step reflecting Norway's steadfast positions in supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and their independent sovereign state based on the two-state solution, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and international legitimacy.

Safadi thanked his Norwegian counterpart for Norway's role in supporting the Palestinian economy by chairing the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), which coordinates international aid to the Palestinian people. The committee held a meeting of international partners on Palestine, hosted by the European Union in Brussels on May 26.

During the meeting, Safadi stressed the need to end Israeli aggression on Gaza, warning of the devastating effects of the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from it.

Safadi also emphasised the need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2735, adopted by the council on Monday, and Jordan's support for efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to reach an exchange deal leading to a permanent ceasefire.

He also stressed the necessity of stopping all illegal Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which undermines the two-state solution.

Safadi briefed his Norwegian counterpart on the outcomes of the emergency humanitarian response conference in Gaza, hosted by Jordan and at the joint invitation of King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

For his part, Eide reaffirmed Norway's stance calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the need for Israel to comply with international law.

He reiterated his country's support for the two-state solution and the need for active measures to implement it.

Eide highlighted the importance of Jordan's role in efforts to achieve security and stability in the region and its efforts to achieve a just peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

Safadi participated in the Oslo Forum, speaking in a joint session with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Assistant Minister on European Affairs at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amal Jadou.