Economic cooperation, regional developments top FM’s talks with Turkish counterpart

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi said that both Jordan and Turkey approved of the economic cooperation agreement. 

During a press conference in Amman on Tuesday with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Safadi indicated that "the economic cooperation agreement with Turkey will open new horizons for economic cooperation between the countries".

“We held extensive meetings focused primarily on bilateral relations and their prospects for development and we agreed that specialists from the two countries' ministries of foreign affairs, as well as the relevant ministries would build up a roadmap to identify priorities for future economic cooperation,” Safadi stated.

He added that economic and cultural cooperation between the countries, as well as education and combating the pandemic, “will be the subject of extensive discussion during the Turkish minister’s visit to Jordan and there will be meetings among the relevant officials from the two countries,” Safadi added.

The foreign minister pointed out that the value of trade exchange between the countries is expected to return to $400 million by the end of the year, returning to its value in 2009. 

Safadi also affirmed Jordan's solidarity with Turkey in facing its recent wildfires.

Safadi noted that the Palestinian cause “is the main issue in the region”.

“We agree that the current situation cannot continue and a breakthrough must be achieved towards finding a political solution that allows for a return to serious and effective negotiations to achieve comprehensive peace that embodies the independent Palestinian Authority, with Jerusalem as its capital, to live in security and peace alongside Israel in accordance with international law and international legitimacy resolutions,” Safadi said.

The two ministers’ meeting touched on the efforts made to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, as it is the only way to resolve refugee issues.

"Jordan and Turkey are among the largest refugee-hosting countries and we affirm that the burden of asylum should not be borne by the hosting countries alone. It is an international responsibility and everyone must do their part so we can continue to meet the needs of refugees," Safadi stated.

Safadi called for ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan and respecting the rights of citizens, the evacuation of all foreign nationals and the preservation of their safety.

He stressed that the situation in Afghanistan is accelerating rapidly. “We are all cooperating to maintain security and stability and to reach a consensus government in Afghanistan. Our current priority at this stage is to prevent deterioration and preserve stability in Afghanistan," he said.

Cavusoglu emphasised Turkey’s appreciation of Jordan’s role as an "important element of stability in the region, along with its development and prosperity”.

Cavusoglu said that the meeting with Safadi touched on the steps to follow regarding the countries’ bilateral relations. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between the countries must be balanced. 

"We aim to reach our billion-dollar trade goal in a short time," he added.

“The relationship between Turkey and Jordan and its development is important to the stability and security of our region,” Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu thanked His Majesty King Abdullah and the Jordanian people for supporting Turkey after the fires and torrential rain and floods that hit the country last week.

He pointed out that the Hashemite Custodianship over the holy sites in Jerusalem is precious and of great value to Turkey. “We will provide all kinds of support to continue this Hashemite protection,” Cavusoglu said.

Cavusoglu indicated that Turkey is doing its best to evacuate not only Turkish people, but also citizens of other countries from Afghanistan. “We continue to communicate with all Afghan parties, including the Taliban,” he stated.