Proactive Arab diplomacy vital for solving regional crises — FM

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday participated in the 17th IISS Manama Dialogue.

In a session titled “Diplomacy and Deterrence”, he affirmed the need for proactive Arab diplomacy to resolve regional crises and secure a future of security, stability and achievement, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The session also featured Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

Safadi stressed that regional peace and stability cannot be achieved without solving the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, to live in peace and security alongside Israel in accordance with international law and resolutions. 

Safadi noted that “approaches based on the notion of accepting fait accompli in regard to regional crises are unacceptable because they will not produce solutions that the region needs”.

The Jordanian foreign minister added that “it is impossible to ignore the Palestinian issue”, and that there is no alternative to the two-state solution, warning that undermining the two-state solution will lead to the materialising of the one-state solution that perpetuates racial discrimination and hinders achieving peace. 

Similarly, he said that “accepting fait accompli pertaining to the Syrian crisis is also unacceptable”, calling for ending the crisis, which the Arab countries have a major role to play.

The minister warned against the dangerous repercussions of the decline in international interest in refugee issues and the decrease in support provided to them, stressing that hosting refugees is an international responsibility that should not be borne by the host countries alone.

Safadi highlighted the need to support Iraq and its stability, pointing to the importance of sustaining “the great victory” Iraq achieved over terrorism.

He underlined that Jordan will continue to make every possible effort to resolve regional crises and achieve just and comprehensive peace and stability in the region.

 On the sidelines of the dialogue, Safadi met with Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq Masrour Barzani, where they reviewed prospects for cooperation. 

Safadi affirmed the Kingdom's full support for Iraq and its people in achieving their aspirations for a prosperous future.

Safadi also met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, stressing the common interest in bolstering bilateral relations and tripartite cooperation along with Egypt. 

The two ministers highlighted the importance of following up on cooperation and integration projects in various fields by building on agreements achieved in previous summits including the leaders of the three countries.

Safadi reiterated the Kingdom's support towards Iraq and its people in the face of all challenges as the Iraqi government's efforts to enhance security and stability.

Iraq's security and stability is “a pillar” of regional security, he said.

Safadi and Singapore's Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Manpower Zaqy Mohamad discussed regional and international developments as well as enhancing cooperation, most notably pertaining to defence and military affairs. 

Both ministers affirmed the continuation of cooperation and coordination, including efforts to combat terrorism, especially within the framework of the Aqaba meetings, which His Majesty King Abdullah launched as a platform to combat terrorism within a holistic approach.

The three-day 17th Manama Dialogue discusses pluralism and the Middle East as well as the most pressing security challenges facing the region.

Bahrain has been hosting the Manama Dialogue since 2004, jointly organised by the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). 

The Manama Dialogue, in this year's edition, hosts a number of prime ministers, ministers of defence and foreign affairs, national security advisers, in addition to a group of experts.

The conference also represents an important opportunity for holding bilateral and multilateral meetings between officials of the participating countries to advance political initiatives and discuss ways to deal with the regional and international challenges.