FM, Iranian counterpart discuss ties, region over phone

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in a phone call on Thursday, discussed bilateral relations and regional developments with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, Safadi stressed that Jordan, like all Arab countries, seeks to enjoy good relations with Iran based on the principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference in internal affairs and cooperation that reflects positively on the two countries and the region.

Safadi highlighted the need to continue a practical, transparent dialogue to address various lingering issues, including the situation at the Jordanian-Syrian border, and the challenges posed by drug smuggling to Jordan.

The two ministers agreed to proceed with joint security meetings to address any lingering issues and continue political communication to reach understandings that establish future relations, consolidate bilateral cooperation and contribute to enhancing security, stability and collaboration in the region.

Iran is keen on developing relations with Jordan, the Iranian minister said, voicing his appreciation for Jordan’s regional role.

Abdollahian also conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to His Majesty King Abdullah and his best wishes on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

For his part, Safadi conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah to President Raisi, expressing the Kingdom's best wishes on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

Safadi reiterated Jordan's welcome and support for the Saudi-Iranian agreement as a major step towards resolving tensions in the region and enhancing security and stability.

On the Palestinian issue, Safadi stressed Jordan's unwavering support to Palestine, highlighting the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of the independent and sovereign Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital, to live in security and peace alongside Israel, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The two ministers agreed to hold a meeting as soon as possible to follow up on ways to overcome challenges facing Jordanian-Iranian ties in order to fully normalise relations.

Abdollahian visited Jordan last December to participate in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in its second edition, which was held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea.

Delivering a speech during the conference, Abdollahian stressed that dialogue and cooperation between the countries of the region is “not an option”, but rather an urgent necessity, and that the stability and security of Iran is part of the stability and security of the entire region, highlighting that Iran’s consistent policy is to avoid war and restore security and stability.