FM, German counterpart hold extended talks in Berlin

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his German counterpart Heiko Maas held expanded discussions in Berlin on Tuesday, reviewing aspects of furthering cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, tourism and defence, and discussing the latest regional developments, notably those related to the Palestinian cause.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Jordan and Germany have displayed determination to advance cooperation and coordination in various fields. 

Ahead of the launch of the second Stockholm Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Safadi expressed appreciation for Germany's support in terms of the Kingdom's development progress and economic challenges.

As the second-largest bilateral donor to Jordan, Germany granted over 800 million euros in aid to Jordan in 2019. 

Safadi also highlighted Berlin's efforts to underpin UNRWA, along with its "key" role in assisting the Kingdom to address the repercussions of the Syrian refugee influxes.

The two sides agreed on enhancing international counterterrorism efforts and scaling up defence and security cooperation.

The German top official underlined the importance of the Kingdom's role in overcoming regional challenges and achieving security and stability.

Safadi also drew attention to the necessity of joint action to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of a two-state solution, which ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, allowing the Palestinian people to live in security and peace alongside Israel.

He also pointed to the importance of the EU’s role in resuming serious negotiations to place the region on a "clear" track towards achieving a just peace.

Talks went over developments in efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, with Safadi stressing the Kingdom's support of the outcomes of Berlin's conference on the crisis in Libya.

Also on Tuesday, Safadi attended the second Stockholm Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which saw the attendance of foreign ministers and representatives of 16 member states.

During the meeting, the foreign minister reaffirmed the Kingdom's supportive stance towards international efforts in this arena, calling for continued work on creating a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. 

On the sidelines of the meeting, Safadi met his Swedish counterpart Ann Linde, with the discussion covering means to garner support for UNRWA and enhance bilateral ties. 

Safadi also held talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, focusing on means of enhancing bilateral ties and the latest regional developments.