Effective foreign diplomacy behind Jordan’s survival — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Tuesday met with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and a number of ambassadors and senior officials at the Foreign Ministry, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the meeting, Mulki stressed the importance of the ministry's role in implementing the Jordanian foreign policy in line with His Majesty King Abdulla's vision that is dedicated to defend the Arab and Muslim nations' causes, in addition to serving Jordan's interests and enhancing its role in facing with the challenges within a moderate and balanced approach.

He added that the Jordanian diplomacy, led by His Majesty, has "saved" the Kingdom from the regional crises and turmoil.

The premier commended the ministry's performance in dealing with the regional issues and accurately presenting Jordan's true stands on various issues, especially the Palestinian cause's  recent developments, in which the King had a "leading, wise and courageous role".

Mulki underscored the importance of the ministry's institutional reform programme, which aims to improve its performance and services,  and enable it to carry out its tasks efficiently.

The prime minister directed the ministry's staff to improve services at Jordanian consulates across the world.

For his part, Safadi commended the premier’s support of the ministry and eagerness to improve its performance and policies, stressing his ministry’s keenness to take services offered inside and outside the Kingdom to a new level in line with King Abdullah's directives.  

Jordanian diplomacy, led by His Majesty, has scored a big victory recently as the Kingdom has led a world’s drive to fight back a US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. 

The effort has led to a massive UN General Assembly’s vote against any such a move, supported by major international powers, including the EU, Russia and China.

During the pro-Jerusalem campaign last month, EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini urged support for King Abdullah as the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy places, describing him as a “very wise man”.

“Jordan has a very special role, when it comes to the holy places, His Majesty, the King of Jordan, is the custodian of the holy places and he is a very wise man. He deserves and needs all our support in this difficult time and I believe we should all listen to him very carefully,” Mogherini said at a press conference in Brussels, commenting on the US decision to recognise the holy city as Israel’s capital and move embassy there.

“What we truly need in this difficult time is wisdom, and to listen to the wise voices calling for peace and for peaceful reactions,” she added, one day before she met Safadi on the same issue.