FM, Norwegian counterpart discuss ties, region over phone

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide on Thursday discussed means of advancing cooperation in various fields, as well as enhancing coordination in efforts to resolve regional crises and achieve security and stability.

Safadi and Søreide, over the phone, stressed joint keenness on pushing forward the two kingdoms partnership towards broader aspects of cooperation, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of collective and multilateral efforts in the fight against the pandemic and its repercussions.

Safadi also highlighted Amman’s anti-virus efforts via employing a mechanism that strikes a fine balance between protecting public health and protecting the economy to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, noting that despite the repercussions of the pandemic, Jordan’s economic reform programme, agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund, is moving forward and showing positive signs. 

Jordan is proceeding with economic and political reforms, a priority identified by His Majesty King Abdullah, within specific programmes and towards goals that would enhance the development process in all its aspects, he said.

The Palestinian cause has topped the discussions, with the two sides stressed the importance of creating a political prospect to resume serious and effective negotiations to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the two-state solution, which Safadi stressed that is the sole path to a lasting and comprehensive peace.   

Talks also went over preparations for upcoming meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), formed to distribute aid to the Palestinian people and headed by Norway, scheduled in February 23 at high-ranking officials’ level. 

The two sides agreed on the importance of the meeting in adopting steps towards supporting the Palestinian economy, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and in stressing the need of effective international action to resume negotiations, especially with the start of the new US administration and the positive signs it has shown.

Formed in 1993 by the Multilateral Steering Group for Peace in the Middle East within the framework of the Washington Conference after the signing of the Oslo Accords, the AHLC is aimed at supporting Palestinians efforts towards building state capabilities and institutions. 

It is regarded as a coordination mechanism for aiding the Palestinians and offering coordination between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government.

Safadi valued Norway's supportive stance for the two-state solution, highlighting its efforts to create a positive environment for resuming negotiations and supporting the Palestinian economy, as well as its continued support for UNRWA.

Talks also went over the efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis and Iraq’s circumstances, among other regional issues, notably the burden of receiving refugees, which requires a collective international action. 

Søreide voiced appreciation of Jordan’s humanitarian role in helping refugees.

The two top diplomats reiterated the continued joint action towards resolving regional issues, expressing keenness on advancing the two kingdoms’ “effective” partnership to address regional challenges.