FM, Irish counterpart discuss shared stances on refugee support, Palestinian cause 

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday engaged in discussions with his Irish counterpart, Micheál Martin. 

The talks focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and address regional and international issues of mutual concern, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Both ministers emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination across various domains, both bilaterally and with the European Union, to serve the best interests of both nations.

Stressing commitment to this collaboration, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding that will establish a framework for political consultations between their respective foreign ministries, facilitating structured dialogue and the identification of mutual priorities.

During a joint press conference following their discussions, Safadi said that the discussions touched upon several key topics, including expanding bilateral cooperation, the Palestinian cause, the crisis in Syria and the challenges of hosting refugees.

Safadi underlined Jordan and Ireland’s strengthening ties, and acknowledged Ireland's consistent support for regional security and stability, alongside its unwavering advocacy for a just and comprehensive peace through the two-state solution, aligned with international legitimacy resolutions.

Safadi also noted that the two explored prospects for cooperation in economic, tourism, defence, security and cultural matters.

Addressing regional concerns, Safadi expressed gratitude for Ireland's support of Palestinian rights, notably its call to halt unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for a two-state solution and peace. Safadi also lauded Ireland's commitment to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), during times of financial hardship for the agency.

The discussions also included efforts to achieve a political solution to the Syrian crisis using the step-by-step approach and UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Such an approach should aim to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, uphold their legitimate rights and ensure them a secure and stable homeland. It also seeks to preserve Syria's unity and sovereignty while mitigating the threats posed by the crisis to the region, including terrorism and drug trafficking, according to Safadi.

Safadi added that the Irish minister was acquainted with the grave issue of drug trafficking from Syria to Jordan and the pressing need to address this challenge.

Safadi also drew attention to the decline in support for Syrian refugees, and noted that their ultimate future lies in their homeland when conditions for voluntary return become viable. The minister reiterated that it is the international community's duty to provide a dignified standard of living for refugees in the meantime. 

He stressed that Jordan remains committed to assisting Syrian refugees, while warning that the Kingdom cannot accommodate additional refugees, calling for an end to the crisis to prevent new waves of displacement.

On his part, the Irish minister expressed his keenness to enhance Jordanian-Irish partnerships.

Highlighting the memorandum of understanding on political consultations, he described it as a roadmap for cooperation across various sectors, a platform for structured political dialogue and a catalyst for the advancement of joint initiatives, including trade and investment.

Martin also highlighted the role of the Irish Agency for Development in promoting cooperation in trade and investment, notably providing further information to Irish businesses looking to invest in the Kingdom. 

Additionally, Martin emphasised cooperation in education through Ireland's Young Scientist Exhibition, a competition which saw participation from several Jordanian young people, as well as efforts in administrative development.

On regional matters, Martin shared insights from his recent visit to Palestine, underlining Ireland's human rights-based perspective and unwavering belief in a two-state solution.

Martin also commended Jordan's exceptional role in addressing regional crises, particularly challenges related to refugees, drug trafficking and terrorism. He expressed his appreciation for Jordan's efforts in hosting a substantial number of refugees, especially Syrians.

Martin also voiced concerns about the potential discontinuation of UNRWA's services in the future. 

Despite Ireland's significant allocations to support Ukrainian refugees, including facilitating the entry of over 90,000 Ukrainian refugees into Ireland, the minister reaffirmed his country's commitment to continue funding the agency and even increasing support. 

Expressing gratitude, Martin thanked the Kingdom for its assistance in evacuating Irish citizens from Sudan during recent events there.

Jordanian-Irish diplomatic relations date back to 1984, with next year marking the 40th anniversary of their establishment. Currently, approximately 570 Jordanians reside in Ireland, while around 200 Irish citizens reside in the Kingdom. Last year, 5,000 Irish tourists visited the Kingdom, representing three times the number witnessed last year.