Safadi, Blinken discuss cooperation, coordination on Mideast peace efforts

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and discussed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination to achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

The talks also focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, with both sides stressing keenness to develop the strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi expressed appreciation of the support provided by the US to help the Kingdom face economic challenges and boost its development.

Safadi and Blinken stressed the need for joint efforts to ensure a sustainable peace, the continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza, and the prevention of any new escalation.

Safadi lauded the efforts exerted by the US to end the escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories and reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The two ministers emphasised the importance of reconstruction, delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with the Palestinian National Authority, the UN, Egypt and other regional and international partners.

Safadi highlighted the positive stance of President Joe Biden's administration and the decisions announced by Blinken during his current visit to the region regarding adherence to the two-state solution and the need to respect the historical status quo in the holy sites and reject all unilateral measures that undermine the chances of achieving a just and lasting peace, including rejection of settlements, demolition of homes, and forceful displacement of Palestinians from their homes.

The Jordanian minister also underlined the importance of the US administration’s decision announced by Blinken to reopen the US consulate in East Jerusalem and to resume financial support for the Palestinian National Authority and UNRWA.

 He shed light on the importance of building on these positive interaction to relaunch serious negotiations to end the occupation and achieve a just peace on the basis of the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of the independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the lines of June 4, 1967, to live in peace and security alongside Israel in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

For his part, Blinken praised the Jordanian role and the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah to achieve security and stability, and valued the continuous cooperation and coordination between the two countries in efforts to end the escalation and achieve calm.

Safadi called for stopping all illegal Israeli measures that triggered the recent escalation as well as ending the attacks on Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and respecting the right of Sheikh Jarrah’s residents to their homes.

The two ministers agreed to continue joint work in the next stage in efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace within the framework of the strong partnership that binds the Kingdom and the US, and their common goal to achieve security, stability, prosperity and peace.

Safadi stressed the leadership role of the US in the efforts to relaunch serious and effective negotiations that end the conflict and achieve comprehensive peace, which constitutes a strategic choice and a regional and international necessity, the statement said.

In addition, Safadi and Blinken reviewed developments in the region and efforts made to resolve regional crises and achieve security and stability.