FM, Russian delegation review regional developments

AMMAN – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi on Tuesday highlighted the importance of intensifying international efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis. 

Welcoming Russian President's Special Envoy on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev, Safadi said that this solution has to be accepted by the Syrian people, guarantee the unity of their country, restore its security and stability, and lead to the departure of all foreign forces from the country, as well as creating circumstances for the voluntary return of refugees, according to a ministry statement. 

During the meeting with Lavrentiev, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation of officials concerned with the Syrian issue from Russia's ministries of foreign affairs and defence, Safadi highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination with Moscow to activate efforts to end the Syrian crisis. 

The minister also reiterated the importance of instilling stability in Syria and offering humanitarian aid necessary to alleviate the suffering of Syrians, mainly in southern Syria. 

He also stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees, calling on the international community to provide the necessary support for countries hosting refugees, mainly in light of the unprecedented humanitarian and medical conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As for the Rukban Camp, the deputy prime minister stressed that the camp is a UN-Syrian responsibility, “due to the fact that it is an assembly of Syrian citizens”.

“The solution for the camp lies in the return of its residents to the areas where they belong to and that any humanitarian or medical aid should be delivered from inside Syria,” the minister said.  

Safadi stressed that Jordan has exceeded its capacity regarding refugees, noting that Kingdom hosts some 1.3 million Syrian guests and offers them all possible aid. 

The foreign minister and the Russian delegates also went over the latest developments in southern Syria, where he highlighted the importance of  cooperation with Russia to face security and economic challenges. 

The FM also warned against attempts by terrorist groups to rebuild their capabilities and presence. 

The minister stressed that the Kingdom will take all procedures necessary to protect its security and interests, calling for containing tensions in southern Syria and adopting all necessary steps to safeguard the region and its residents through providing them with decent living conditions. 

The meeting also addressed developments in the fourth round of the constitutional committee meetings. 

Lavrentiev voiced keenness to further develop Amman-Moscow ties that His Majesty King Abdullah and President Vladimir Putin established on “strong foundations of honesty and trust”. 

The latest regional developments pertaining to the Palestinian issue, Iraq and Libya were also discussed during meeting. 

Lavrentiev highlighted the importance of the Jordanian role led by King Abdullah's efforts in reaching solutions to regional crises and realising security and stability.