Safadi, Germany’s Maas hold political consultation on mutual issues, anti-pandemic cooperation

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his German counterpart Heiko Maas on Tuesday held a political consultation to further enhance Jordanian-German partnership, cooperation and coordinated stances on regional issues.

Discussions via videoconference also went over collaboration in facing the coronavirus pandemic, the latest developments in the peace process, the Syrian crisis and the war on terrorism, as well as efforts to support Iraq and Libya, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Safadi also conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s condolences over the victims of the coronavirus in Germany, as the King also expressed Amman’s readiness to offer any assistance possible to Berlin. 

The two ministers discussed the health and economic repercussions of the pandemic, stressing solidarity and cooperation in facing them, mainly in light of the difficult economic impacts that have resulted from preventive measures.

In this regard, Maas reiterated Germany’s continuous support to the Kingdom in facing economic challenges.

Safadi praised Germany’s support, notably as it is the second-highest donor to the Kingdom, expressing appreciation for the European country’s constant assistance to Jordan in addressing economic difficulties.

Safadi and Maas also reviewed the latest developments pertaining to the Palestinian issue and endeavours aimed at reaching a solution to the conflict, stressing the need for joint efforts to launch serious and effective negotiations to realise a comprehensive, permanent peace based on the two-state solution and relevant international resolutions. 

They also expressed rejection of any unilateral Israeli moves to annex Palestinian territories, warning that any such step, if made, would only undermine the two-state solution that constitutes the only means of realising peace.

Safadi praised the stances of Germany — which will assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council and the European Union in July — supporting the two-state solution and seeking to launch serious negotiations in the peace process.

He also stressed that any annexation of Jordan Valley territories and colonies in occupied Palestine would “kill the two-state solution” and would make a one-state option inevitable.

The minister also expressed appreciation to Maas for his country’s “generous and continuous” support to UNRWA, as the agency is facing financial challenges threatening its ability to offer vital services to Palestinian refugees at a time when it is also dealing with the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The two ministers went over the latest developments in efforts to reach a solution to the Syrian crisis, stressing their mutual approval of UN efforts that aim at reaching a political solution and the importance of intensifying endeavours on all sides to end the crisis.

Safadi and Mass also highlighted the significance of supporting Iraqi efforts to instil security and stability in the country, voicing commitment to continue working under the international coalition to fight terrorism, helping Baghdad in fighting terrorist groups. 

They also said that a political solution is the only means to end the Libyan crisis, highlighting the need to cease fighting and embark on emergency political efforts to reach an end to the crisis.