Safadi, Dutch FM talk ties, regional developments

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday held talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag, in a phone call, covering measures to bolster economic and security cooperation.

The two ministers also reviewed developments in the region, foremost of which those related to the Palestinian issue and efforts to resolve regional crises and achieve security and stability in the region, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi lauded the Netherlands' support for the two-state solution and its continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

He stressed the importance of working on resolving the conflict on the basis of the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, to live in peace and security alongside Israel in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The Jordanian minister also highlighted the necessity of ceasing all Israeli practices that undermine the two-state solution.

They both discussed international initiatives for reconstruction in the Gaza Strip and maintaining the ceasefire, emphasising the need for Israel to respect the rights of the residents of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, and to respect the legal and historical status quo in Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

Safadi and Kaag also examined efforts exerted to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, calling on the international community to continue providing support, especially in light of the repercussions of the COVID pandemic.

Kaag underlined the Kingdom's role in achieving security and stability in the region, praising the Kingdom's great humanitarian role in hosting Syrian refugees.

The two ministers agreed to maintain communication and develop cooperation in various fields.