Foreign minister, EU's Borrell discuss relations, escalating regional crises

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday met European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, in what marks Borrell's last visit to Jordan before he concludes his tenure next month.

Talks during the meeting reaffirmed Jordan's "strategic" partnership with the EU while focusing on escalating regional crises, according to a ministry statement.

Safadi and Borrell discussed the urgent need to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, condemning Israel's "illegal actions" that undermine peace efforts and increase the risk of further escalation.

Resolving the crisis in Syria and the alarming decline in international aid to the Syrians were also discussed. 

In a joint press conference, Safadi expressed his gratitude for Borrell's efforts to boost Jordanian-European relations and highlighted significant progress in cooperation programmes.

Underlining Jordan's firm stance, Safadi reiterated His Majesty King Abdullah's call for an immediate cessation of violence and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

"The priority is to stop the aggression, address the humanitarian catastrophe and then work towards a just and lasting peace, anchored in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital," Safadi said.

He warned of dire conditions in northern Gaza, where shortages of food, water and medicine have created what he called an "inhumane reality".

Safadi described Israel's blockade as an act of "ethnic cleansing" and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable under international law.

The minister highlighted Jordan's ongoing efforts towards alleviating Gazans suffering, announcing the recent deployment of eight Royal Jordanian Air Force planes carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in response to Royal directives.

Stressing that these operations alone were not enough, he said that the opening of land crossings is essential for the delivery of adequate aid. 

UN agencies must also be allowed to operate freely to ensure that aid reaches all areas of the Gaza Strip, he added.

Safadi also commented on the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, saying that ICC decisions must be respected and enforced.

Borrell praised the Kingdom as an "indispensable ally" of the European Union, describing the Kingdom as "a beacon of stability and wisdom in the midst of regional turbulence". 

During his visit, Borrell received the Order of the Jordanian Star (First Class) from His Majesty King Abdullah, an honour he described as a "testament to the enduring strength of the EU-Jordan relationship".

Borrell reaffirmed the EU's readiness to boost its partnership with Jordan, particularly in the fields of security, trade, technology and human development. 

Borrell reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Jordan's modernisation efforts and announced 500 million euros in financial assistance for the Kingdom.

On Gaza, Borrell called on the international community to act decisively to end the "humanitarian catastrophe and massacre". 

He condemned Israel's decision to suspend the operations of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Borrell reiterated the EU's support for the two-state solution and the right of the Palestinian people to freedom, dignity and statehood, underlining the binding nature of the ICC's decisions and calling for global cooperation to enforce its rulings.