FM, China’s special envoy to Mideast reaffirm two-state solution to Palestinian issue

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday stressed that the continued absence of a political ground to resume serious and effective negotiations to solve the Palestinian issue according to the two-state solution poses a threat to regional and international security.

Receiving Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun, Safadi reiterated the need to join all efforts to overcome this threat through activating the peace process, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The foreign minister stressed that there is no alternative to the two-state solution that embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 lines to live in security and peace with Israel, describing this solution as the only means to realise just and comprehensive peace.

Safadi and the Chinese envoy also went over regional and international efforts exerted to find political grounds necessary to maintain the comprehensive appeasement and support the Palestinian economy.

The minister also acquainted Jun with efforts exerted by the Kingdom to resume peace negotiations based on international law and accredited references.

He also highlighted the importance of respecting the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, refraining from harassing worshippers, and halting all provocative measures in holy sites, especially during Ramadan.

The deputy premier also stressed the need for sustaining support to UNRWA and ensuring its ability to offer its vital services to refugees according to its UN mandate.

Safadi also expressed gratitude for China’s support to the two-state solution and UNRWA, referring to the harmony between the Chinese president’s initiative regarding the Palestinian issue with the bases of the peace process, mainly its part related to the land-for-peace formula, according to the statement.

The two sides also discussed the latest developments pertaining to the Syrian crisis and efforts to reach a political solution to it, reviewing the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.

For his part, the Chinese envoy reiterated his country’s position supporting the peace process and efforts to reactivate it based on the two-state solution.

He also praised the Kingdom’s main role in realising just and comprehensive peace, and regional security and stability, stressing the important role of the Hashemite Custodianship over the Muslim and Christian holy places in Jerusalem and the significance of respecting the historical status quo in the city.

Jun also voiced his country’s keenness to sustain coordination with the Kingdom in efforts to reactivate the peace process and solving regional crises.

The two sides also discussed bilateral relations and means to develop them in various fields in a way that serves both countries’ interests.

Safadi also stressed Jordan’s support to the One-China policy, especially that this year marks the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the Kingdom and China.