Safadi meets regional counterparts

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday met with his Saudi, Omani, Iraqi and Egyptian counterparts on the sidelines of the Arab summit’s foreign ministers preparatory meeting, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Safadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir commended Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz’s visit to Jordan to meet with His Majesty King Abdullah, while noting the need to follow up on the outcomes of the visit. 

The ministers discussed bilateral relations, Arab summit preparations and regional developments. They insisted on the need to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, resolve the Syrian crisis and combat terrorism, noting the importance of enhanced, pan-Arab action.

In a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, both men reviewed preparations for the summit and bilateral relations.

After stressing the importance of joint Arab action, they signed a cooperation agreement to mutually exempt visas for holders of diplomatic and special passports. 

After the meeting, Safadi praised the depth of the relations between Jordan and Oman, adding that the agreement is an additional step for bilateral cooperation. 

For his part, the Omani foreign minister said his country looks forward to boosting cooperation, highlighting King Abdullah’s leading role in this year’s summit, to be held on Wednesday at the Dead Sea. He also commended the Monarch’s efforts in dealing with the challenges facing the region. 

Safadi later talked with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari about bilateral ties, developments in Iraq and topics listed in the summit’s agenda. 

Safadi highlighted Jordan’s support to efforts to achieve peace and stability in Iraq, commending the victories of the Iraqi army in combating terrorism.  

He also highlighted Jordan’s support to political reconciliation in Iraq.

The two foreign ministers agreed to pursue cooperation in dealing with the regional issues and developments. 

Also on Monday, Safadi discussed bilateral relations, upcoming summit meetings and major regional crises with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri.  

Safadi held talks with his Palestinian counterpart Riad Malki focusing on efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process.

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s support to Palestinians in establishing their independent state on their national soil on the pre-1967 borders, according to international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, Petra reported.

Malki expressed his country’s appreciation for Jordan’s continuous support in helping to establish the Palestinian state, and for the Kingdom’s role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.