FM, Morocco's Bourita talk cooperation

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Amman to discuss regional and international developments as well as ways to cement bilateral relations. 

Following their meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference in which Safadi referred to preparations for a meeting of the joint Jordanian-Moroccan higher committee to be held in Jordan as soon as possible after the committee met in Morocco in 2016, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi stressed the two sides’ keenness to bolstering cooperation on a number of fronts, especially between the private sectors of both countries.

Talks also focused on facilitating visa issuance and entry procedures for citizens of the two countries. 

As for regional issues, both sides agreed on the centrality of the Palestinian issue, stressing that a comprehensive and just peace will be materialised only through the two-state solution that ensures independent, sovereign Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital along the June 4, 1967 lines, living in peace and security alongside Israel.

They also discussed continuous efforts to return to serious and effective negotiations that pave the way for progress, adding that “a comprehensive and just peace will not be achieved unless Palestinians obtain all their rights, foremost of which is their right to an independent and sovereign state on their national soil", Safadi said.

“Activating joint Arab action is a goal for us and is an indispensable necessity to further our joint efforts, resolve regional crises and achieve the security and stability that our region needs,” he added.

Safadi affirmed Jordan’s unwavering support towards Morocco’s territorial integrity, stressing the need to resolve the Moroccan Sahara issue in accordance with UN resolutions, on the basis of the Autonomy Plan in a manner that guarantees and protects Morocco's sovereignty over all its territories.

In turn, Bourita stressed that Moroccan-Jordan relations encompass all components of a strategic partnership in all fields, referencing the "agreement" that the joint higher committee meeting will be held as soon as possible.

Bourita highlighted efforts to remove obstacles hindering cooperation between Jordanian and Moroccan businesspeople, especially in regard to visas, stressing that there are "practical measures to solve all these problems, as well as the issue of air and sea transport as a basic mechanism for enhancing cooperation and trade between the two countries."

Bourita proposed holding a meeting for businesspeople in both countries to discuss joint investments in each country, the region, and especially in the African continent.

The Moroccan minister affirmed Morocco’s support for Jordan's pivotal role in solving the Palestinian issue and the role of King Abdullah in protecting Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.

Morocco’s position matches Jordan’s regarding the Palestinian issue, supporting the two-state solution, according to which an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is established on the June 4, 1967 lines, the minister said.

The two countries work hand in hand in supporting Jerusalemites and preserving the Arab and Islamic identity of Jerusalem, he stressed. 

Bourita also expressed appreciation for Jordan's firm position on the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, as well as its decision to open a Jordanian consulate in Laayoune, confirming the continuation of coordination with Jordan under the umbrella of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and international fora.