Fayez, Safadi meet Iraqi Parliament speaker

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Mashhadani on Monday discussed the Iraq-Jordan oil pipeline project.

Fayez stressed the pipeline project's strategic importance, highlighting its potential to boost economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

“Our relations are built on mutual respect and shared interests, serving the aspirations of our peoples and reinforcing Arab solidarity,” Fayez said.

He also reiterated Jordan’s commitment to ongoing cooperation with Iraq across various sectors to support the country's unity and security.

Fayez also called for deepening economic ties through joint investments, expediting agreed projects, and revitalising trade relations.

Addressing regional challenges, Fayez warned against efforts to fragment the Arab world, likening the situation to a "new Sykes-Picot phase" driven by international and regional interests.

He also condemned Israeli aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, reiterating Jordan’s firm stance against any resolution to the Palestinian cause at Jordan’s expense.

Fayez also stressed Jordan’s dedication to preserving Syria’s unity and stability, which he deemed essential for regional security.

He also denounced Israeli incursions into Syrian territory, particularly in the buffer zone near the Golan Heights, calling for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Mashhadani reiterated the call for Arab unity in addressing regional challenges, emphasising that stronger political, economic, and security ties among Arab nations would counter external threats.

He also commended Jordan’s historic support for Iraq during its most difficult periods,  acknowledging the symbolic significance of choosing Jordan for his first official visit.

"The visit underscores the strong ties between our nations and Jordan's unwavering support for Iraq's stability and security," he said.

Also on Monday, Lower House Speaker Ahmed Safadi met with his Iraqi counterpart Mahmoud Mashhadani, to discuss enhancing parliamentary coordination and addressing regional issues to advance the shared interests of both nations.

During the meeting, Safadi and Mashhadani reiterated their commitment to boosting Jordan-Iraq ties, building on the outcomes of a recent meeting in Amman between His Majesty King Abdullah and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sudani.

The speakers also stressed the importance of joint efforts to counter regional instability, prevent escalation, and mitigate the risks of broader conflicts.

Expressing solidarity with Syria, the speakers underscored their support for its security and stability, emphasising respect for the will of its people.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for Syria’s unity and security, stressing the need to uphold its sovereignty.

Safadi and Mashhadani also called for greater international efforts to end the Israeli aggression on Gaza, deliver emergency aid, and address violent settler actions in the West Bank, including violations at Jerusalem’s holy sites.

They also highlighted the importance of enhancing investments in energy, transport, agriculture, education, tourism, and infrastructure.

Safadi also emphasised the role of parliaments in removing barriers to economic integration and promoting trilateral cooperation with Egypt.

Mashhadani commended Jordan’s consistent support for Iraq during critical times, describing Jordan as Iraq’s “first official destination” due to its strategic importance.

He also expressed Iraq’s commitment to boosting bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between parliamentary committees.

“Iraq has always benefited from Jordan’s steadfast support during difficult times,” Mashhadani said, urging Arab nations to unite in addressing common challenges, particularly those in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.