FM, Spanish counterpart talk Jordan-Europe coordination, mutual rejection of Israeli annexation moves

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Arancha Gonzalez Laya on Wednesday held talks focused on enhancing cooperation in facing the coronavirus pandemic and its economic and social repercussions, as well as the latest Palestinian developments.

Both ministers highlighted the need to continue making steps necessary to further boost cooperation and Jordanian-European partnership, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Gonzalez Laya concurred on mutual stances refusing any Israeli measures to annex occupied Palestinian territories, which represent a violation of international law and undermine the foundations of the peace process that were launched from Madrid. 

They also reviewed steps that can be implemented to reach an international stance deterring Israel from making any annexation decision, with Safadi, in this regard, praising the stances of Spain and the EU that call for committing to international legitimacy resolutions and resuming direct negotiations as a means to reach a solution to the conflict.

Any Israeli decision to annex settlements and areas in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea in Palestine will constitute a “catastrophic step” that will “kill” opportunities to realise just peace and, instead, will usher in further regional conflicts and make the one-state solution inevitable, Safadi stressed. 

The two ministers also agreed to continue coordination and consultation over means to reach solutions to regional crises and realise peace and security, reiterating the continuation of developing Jordanian-Spanish ties.