Two-state solution ‘remains most holistic approach to achieving lasting peace’ — FM

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday said that regional peace and security can only be achieved with the ending of the Israeli occupation and the restoration of Palestinians’ legitimate rights in accordance with a two-state solution that ensures the creation of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines with the East Jerusalem as its capital. 

Safadi's remarks came during the inaugural session of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue 2019, where he stressed that Jordan will continue working with members of the international community to achieve comprehensive peace, adding that the Kingdom’s relations with Israel are at their "lowest levels", according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The foreign minister highlighted Jordan’s commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, which “remains the most holistic approach to achieving lasting peace”, reiterating that all peace efforts must “stem from the truth that peace cannot be achieved as long as the occupation still exists”. 

Counterterrorism requires a comprehensive approach, which the Aqaba Meetings have been devoted to creating, Safadi said. 

He added that terrorism, which bears no relation to Islam or its values, poses a military, security and ideological threat that must be tackled through organised cooperation. 

“We [in the region] are capable of defeating terrorism and the hatred it represents ideologically,” Safadi said. 

The foreign minister stressed the importance of supporting Iraq in reconstruction and stabilisation after “its great victory against the Daesh group”.

Safadi reaffirmed the need to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis that maintains the country’s territorial unity and restores its security and pivotal role in the region. 

Commenting on Egypt’s withdrawal from the Middle East Strategic Alliance, Safadi said that Egypt plays a leading regional role and is indispensable in the process of joint crisis resolution.

The foreign minister also shed light on Jordan’s “complete support” to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain in whatever measures they take to protect their security, noting that peace in Jordan is interdependent on that of the Arab Gulf. 

“Arab countries want a relationship with Iran that is founded on principles of good neighbourly relations, as no one wants another conflict in the region,” Safadi said.