Safadi, Russia’s Lavrov discuss outcomes of consultative meeting on Syria

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday conducted a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which the two discussed the outcomes of the Amman consultative meeting on Syria.

Safadi stressed the importance of the Arab-led strategy to resolve the crisis in Syria and address its humanitarian, security and political consequences that was launched during the meeting, in accordance with the Jordanian initiative, the Saudi initiative and other Arab efforts, according to a step-by-step methodology and in line with Security Council Resolution 2254, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

He stressed that the political solution targeted by the strategy will preserve Syria's unity, cohesion, sovereignty and role, meet the aspirations of the Syrian people, help Syria rid itself of terrorism, end the presence of militias and armed groups, lead to the withdrawal of foreign forces and ensure the safe and voluntary return of refugees.

Safadi also stressed the importance of continuing to open border crossings to ensure humanitarian aid is accessible to Syria, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, which also provide mechanisms to launch early recovery and stabilisation projects.

The foreign minister also noted the priority of addressing drug smuggling, and highlighted the importance of taking effective, practical steps to combat this issue, in line with the joint Amman communiqué that followed the consultative meeting.

He also called for taking practical steps to implement all the agreements in the joint statement, which featured the participation of the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt and Syria.

He also drew attention to the importance of Russia’s role in efforts to resolve the crisis and address all its consequences on Syria and the region.

Lavrov welcomed the outcomes of the Amman consultative meeting, and expressed his country’s support for the Arab move to reach a political solution to end the crisis in Syria and address all its repercussions.