Safadi, Russia’s Lavrov discuss ties, region

AMMAN — Jordan and Russia on Monday stressed the need to continue working on enhancing cooperation, consultation and coordination regarding regional issues and means to resolve Middle East crises and realise peace and stability.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted in telephone discussions the “strong” Jordanian-Russian ties and the importance of developing these relations, that are witnessing development in various fields, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Lavrov reviewed the latest regional developments and exchanged views on means to deal with the developments in the region, as well as coordinating efforts to resolve Middle East crises.

They also went over the Palestinian cause, reiterating the need to continue efforts aimed at resuming “real and effective” negotiations to end the conflict, based on the two-state solution according to international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The top diplomats highlighted the importance of achieving the Palestinian reconciliation, where Safadi praised the Russian role in such efforts and stressed the centrality of the Egyptian role in ending the intra-Palestinian division and achieving the Palestinian unity.

The two ministers also agreed to continue cooperation to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that secures the country’s unity and cohesion, and restores its security and stability.

Safadi urged adopting effective solutions to end the crisis and activate the Arab role through endeavours aimed at reaching a political solution that ends “the catastrophe” and ensures the security, unity and stability of Syria.

Ending the Syrian crisis and ending the suffering of the Syrian people is a priority for the Kingdom that is exerting all possible efforts to reach the envisioned solution in coordination with Russia and all partners in the international community and the region, the deputy prime minister said.