FM, Estonian president discuss Israeli war on Gaza, bilateral cooperation

AMMAN — President of Estonia Alar Karis on Friday received Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who also held discussions with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, Chairman of the National Defence Committee in the Estonian Parliament Kalev Stoicescu and several members of the parliament.

The discussions, in which Safadi conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's greetings to Karis, focused on improving cooperation in several areas, including ICT, tourism, and education, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Along with stopping the Israeli aggression on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis it causes, Safadi and the Estonian officials also talked about how to start a successful international effort to end the occupation and end the war based on the two-state solution.

The talks also covered the war in Ukraine and attempts to put an end to it in a way that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as international law and the UN Charter.

A memorandum of understanding on political discussions between the two nations was signed by Safadi and Tsahkna, who also decided to appoint a working committee to figure out how to boost collaboration in areas of interest to both countries.

During a meeting with ICT sector officials, Safadi briefed them about Jordan's opportunities and went over potential areas of cooperation.

Safadi and his Estonian counterpart held a joint press conference. Safadi said that the MoU on political consultations is the first step towards a practical evaluation that will identify the areas of cooperation that can be enhanced.

Safadi added that while Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip persists, international law and the UN Charter are applied with double standards.

He stressed that international law must be applied to all conflicts equally to all people regardless of their beliefs and colours, because this is the basis of stability for all.

The minister said that Jordan stands with Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, "because this is what the international law says and this is what is right". 

Since Jordan has a neighbouring occupation, this is a matter of principle, and the Kingdom urges respect for international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, Safadi said, stressing Amman's stance that urges respect for the same principle about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He underscored that Israel's aggression against Gaza is a violation of every international legal norm, citing the International Court of Justice's ongoing investigation into Israel's genocide.

Safadi warned of the risk of the war spreading regionally and highlighted the need to keep working with Estonia and the EU to stop the aggression and bring about a just settlement.

The minister also issued a warning over the escalation in Lebanon and its effects on the stability and security of the region.

Regarding the Russian aggression in Ukraine, Tsahkna said that his country had very good meetings, and Jordan is a good partner and friend to Estonia, stressing that his country clearly understands the situation in Gaza and the Middle East as well.

Tsahakna also expressed gratitude for Jordan's humanitarian assistance in the area, its refugee-welcoming policies, and its initiatives to bring about peace and implement the two-state solution.