Safadi highlights ‘successful’ preparatory ministerial meeting ahead of Arab Summit

AMMAN — The preparatory foreign ministers' meeting for the Arab League Summit, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia on Friday, was highly successful,  as  it featured a comprehensive discussion of all the issues that need to be addressed, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Thursday.

In an interview with the Syrian News Channel, Safadi emphasised the central importance of taking a leading Arab role to address all issues.

The ministerial meeting resulted in draft resolutions built on collective efforts to confront shared challenges, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

"We are looking forward to a future phase of cooperation that serves as a base for concrete and effective steps to resolve regional crises and lay the foundation for cooperation that benefits all,” the minister said.

When asked about the crisis in Syria, Safadi acknowledged its prolonged duration and impact on the Syrian people and the whole region. He emphasised the necessity of taking practical measures to bring an end to the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, as well as mitigate the negative consequences it has had on the region.

"We will build upon the agreements reached in Amman, gradually advancing with a step-by-step approach that will guide us in resolving the crisis and addressing its repercussions," Safadi added.

Safadi affirmed that the preparatory foreign ministers' meeting achieved a consensus on a draft resolution concerning Syria, which emphasises the implementation of the agreements reached in Amman. It also entails direct Arab engagement with the Syrian government through the Arab League's established contact group.

He further highlighted the committee's commitment to taking practical steps aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people, combating the threats stemming from terrorism and drug trafficking and addressing the return of refugees. 

Regarding international sanctions imposed on Syria, Safadi acknowledged their existence as “a reality that cannot be ignored”. However, he stressed the importance of collective efforts to initiate positive steps, leading to fruitful dialogue with the international community and the gradual lifting of sanctions.

He expressed his confidence that addressing these challenges collectively would facilitate resolutions for all outstanding issues.

In interviews with the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTC) and Al Mamlaka TV, Safadi said that the Amman meeting on the crisis in Syria, which followed the Jeddah gathering, has set a roadmap towards resolving the crisis in Syria.

The proposal entails taking a leading Arab role in addressing the crisis, notably taking concrete measures to address the catastrophic consequences that have impacted both the Syrian people and the region, including the threats posed by terrorism and drug trafficking, which are prioritised by the Kingdom, he said.

Safadi highlighted that the ministerial meeting achieved consensus on the draft resolution on Syria, reiterating the significance of the Amman statement and the preceding Jeddah meeting.

“As an Arab group, we are committed to working towards a genuine resolution for the crisis,” he emphasised. 

During the Amman meeting, the parties affirmed their commitment to cooperate in confronting the challenges posed by the crisis in Syria, Safadi said, adding that the statement issued after the meeting also stressed the importance of countering terrorism and drug trafficking.

Safadi praised Saudi Arabia for the country’s outstanding preparations for the summit, which will serve as a starting point for more effective Arab action, grounded in shared values and real perspectives. 

He emphasised the significance of Arab cooperation, not only in crisis management but also in maximising economic cooperation and achieving comprehensive integration that benefits all parties involved.