Jordan, Egypt reaffirm support to Lebanon

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will deliver a letter from His Majesty King Abdullah to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Wednesday.

The letter will focus on the importance of continued coordination and dialogue between Jordan and Egypt on latest regional developments, a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The letter will detail outcomes of Safadi’s solidarity visit to Lebanon on Monday, which came in response to Royal directives. During the visit, Safadi met with key Lebanese leaders, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.

On Tuesday, Safadi held extensive talks in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, with talks focusing on the need for concerted efforts to halt the Israeli aggression agaist Gaza, alleviate the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, protect civilians and ensure the effective and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the statement said.

Discussions also underlined the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon, implementing UNSCR 1701, providing necessary humanitarian assistance and supporting Lebanon’s efforts to elect a president and rebuild its institutions.

Following their meeting, Safadi and Abdel Aty held a joint press conference, during which Safadi stressed that Jordan’s diplomatic efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, are aimed at ending the aggression on Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, while preventing a wider regional conflict, the statement said.

Safadi reiterated that Jordan and Egypt share common positions on critical regional issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, stressing that “Egypt’s red lines are Jordan’s red lines when it comes to Gaza.

Both Jordan and Egypt, Safadi said, oppose the forced displacement of Palestinians, whether within their homeland or to neighbouring countries such as Egypt or Jordan.

He warned against Israel’s schemes to depopulate northern Gaza, stressing that such actions could force residents out of their homes, something both countries are determined to oppose, according to the statement.

Safadi and Abdel Aty also warned that continued aggression in Gaza could spark a wider regional conflict.

Turning to the situation in Lebanon, Safadi stressed the growing danger posed by Israel’s continued attacks and its refusal to heed US and French calls for a 21-day ceasefire to implement Resolution 1701.

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and the right of its people to elect a president without outside interference.

He stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid as Lebanon grapples with a large number of displaced people, more than 1.2 million, and condemned Israel’s attacks on Beirut and the killing of Lebanese civilians, the statement said.

Stressing that Jordan would not be drawn into a conflict on behalf of others, including Iran or Israel, he said: “We have informed both countries directly and through our partners that we will not tolerate violations of our airspace or threats to our citizens. Our primary focus is on the security of Jordan and the safety of our people.”

For his part, Minister Abdel Aty reiterated Egypt’s support for the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, the statement said.

Abdel Aty praised the role of Jordan, particularly the efforts of the Jordan-run Awqaf Department , in preserving the Arab identity of Jerusalem.