Safadi, German minister talk ties, region

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office Niels Annen on Sunday discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, mainly the Palestinian issue and the Syrian crisis.

Safadi and Annen discussed steps to build on the summit meeting between His Majesty King Abdullah and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which called for increasing economic, investment and defence cooperation, according to a ministry statement. 

While discussing the latest updates in the Palestinian issue, Safadi warned against the continuous, dangerous stalemate in the peace process, mainly in light of unilateral Israeli procedures that undermine opportunities to achieve peace according to the two-state solution.

The minister also praised Germany’s stance in support of the two-state solution and Berlin’s assistance to UNRWA, as German support has contributed to alleviating some of the agency’s financial crisis.

Both ministers reviewed the latest developments in the Syrian crisis and means to activate efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the conflict, in addition to dealing with the crisis’ repercussions, especially those pertaining to the refugee issue.

Safadi, in this regard, stressed that refugee crises are an international responsibility that requires continuous programmes to help refugees and host countries.