Parliament committee discusses Jordan-EU cooperation, region

AMMAN — Lower House Foreign Affairs Committee, headed by MP Dina Basheer, on Thursday met with European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, to discuss bilateral relations and avenues for enhanced cooperation.

During the meeting, committee members highlighted the ongoing efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah, in cooperation with international leaders, to revive the comprehensive peace process aimed at resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution. The MPs emphasised Jordan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, noting the significance of King Abdullah’s leadership in these diplomatic efforts, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The committee members also stressed the strategic partnership between Jordan and the EU, underlining the need for expanding cooperation in various fields, particularly in political, economic, and security sectors.

The committee members reiterated Jordan’s firm stance against forced displacement and its rejection of any proposals to establish a Palestinian state outside the occupied territories.

They also reaffirmed Jordan's continued support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts and the creation of conditions conducive to the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

The lawmakers also commended the EU's support for the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites and acknowledged European backing for the King’s ongoing efforts to defend the Palestinian cause.

The committee members emphasised the importance of the Jordan-EU partnership, describing it as “comprehensive and strategic,” with significant potential to drive economic growth, attract investment, and support key sectors within Jordan.

Ambassador Chatzisavas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to further strengthening diplomatic ties with Jordan, stressing the importance of aligning positions on critical international issues.

He underscored the necessity of fully implementing the newly established strategic partnership, which focuses on political, defence, trade, and development cooperation, with an emphasis on addressing the refugee crisis.

Chatzisavas also highlighted the importance of maximising the benefits of the EU’s 3 billion euro support package for Jordan.