Safadi talks ties, region in phone calls with Iraq, EU counterparts

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein and discussed bilateral efforts to enhance cooperation and coordination.

Talks also focused on the latest regional developments and means to resolve them to realise security and stability in the region, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Hussein acquainted Safadi with the latest developments in northern Iraq in light of the military operations carried out by Turkey.

In this regard, Safadi highlighted the importance of respecting Iraq’s security and sovereignty and containing the escalating tensions through dialogue so as to guarantee Iraqi-Turkish ties based on good-neighbourliness, the statement said.

The foreign minister called for refraining from interfering in the domestic affairs in a way that protects the legitimate interests of both countries. 

Safadi reiterated the Kingdom’s “full support” to Iraq in its endeavours to instil security and peace and in its reconstruction, highlighting the importance of safeguarding Baghdad from regional conflicts, according to the statement.

Both ministers voiced their countries’ keenness to enhance cooperation in all fields which reflects the “historical, strategic and brotherly” ties.

Also on Thursday, Safadi and his Czech counterpart Tomas Petricek held talks over the phone that focused on developing ties between Amman and Prague, voicing solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two ministers also reviewed efforts exerted to resolve regional crises, mainly those pertaining to the Palestinian cause and the refugee crisis, according to a separate ministry statement.

Safadi’s phone conversation with Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz on Wednesday focussed on the Palestinian cause. 

The two top diplomats also stressed continuous cooperation in anti-terrorism efforts as part of the international coalition. 

Safadi’s talks with his European counterparts highlighted the importance of deterring Israel from implementing its decision to annex Palestinian territories, a step that, if implemented, would constitute a “clear breach of international law and pose “an unprecedented threat” to all efforts to realise peace, the Foreign Ministry statement said. 

They expressed solidarity with Lebanon in facing the repercussions of the tragic explosion that hit Beirut on August 4.

They also stressed the importance of providing the necessary support to Lebanon to help it overcome these difficult circumstances, the statement added.