FM, Canadian counterpart talk region, ties

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday received a phone call from Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau, during which they discussed efforts to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire and the reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.

The two ministers also reviewed efforts aimed at achieving a return to effective negotiations to achieve peace on the basis of the two-state solution, which Safadi highlighted as the sole way to resolve the conflict, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi expressed appreciation of Canada's support towards the two-state solution and its rejection of settlements and the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes.

Safadi emphasised the need to focus on achieving a comprehensive and just peace that meets the rights of all parties on the basis of the two-state solution, which requires ending the occupation and establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the lines of June 4, 1967.

Safadi stressed the need to respect the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and preserve the Arab, Islamic and Christian identity of the holy sites, which constitute a top priority for the custodian of these holy sites, His Majesty King Abdullah.

In turn, the Canadian foreign minister praised the Kingdom's recent efforts to end the escalation, materialise the ceasefire and restore calm, highlighting the importance of the Jordanian role in preserving the historical status of the holy sites.

The two ministers stressed the importance of the existing cooperation in various fields between the two countries, highlighting the need to continue working to enhance cooperation in the economic, trade, investment and development fields.

Safadi also thanked his Canadian counterpart for the economic and development support provided by the Canadian government to the Kingdom to help it face economic challenges, especially those posed by hosting refugees, as well as promote development in the Kingdom.

Safadi also valued Canada's financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The two ministers also discussed issues of common interest and agreed to continue coordination and consultation between the two countries.