Safadi, Russian counterpart discuss political solution to Syrian crisis

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday held discussions concentrated on the Syrian crisis, particularly on the situation in southern Syria.

Both sides also went over means of bolstering bilateral relations, notably increasing cooperation in the economic, commercial and agricultural fields, as well as in relation to issues related to Jordanian students in Russia.

Safadi and Lavrov also discussed regional and global issues of common interest, including the Syrian crisis, the Palestinian cause, support for Iraq and the Ukrainian crisis. 

During a joint press conference with Lavrov, Safadi affirmed that one of the main highlights of the talks was on the Syrian crisis, especially the situation in southern Syria, noting the danger of heightened instability that would both deepen the suffering of the Syrian people and threaten national security.

Discussions also went over the steps required to neutralise threats and provide the necessary level of stability in southern Syria, Safadi said.

"The threats in southern Syria include drug smuggling through borders with Jordan, as well as the risks associated with the militias that support smuggling operations, not to mention the subsequent increase in terrorist concentrations, among other aggressive acts," Safadi noted.

He added that "the Russian presence in southern Syria is a stabilising factor in these circumstances, noting that a political solution to the crisis is the ever-unfulfilled goal.

Safadi highlighted the need for Jordanian-Russian coordination to address the challenges in southern Syria.

He stressed that with the continuation of the risky situation in southern Syria, the Kingdom will proceed with taking necessary steps to protect national security.

Both sides reviewed the efforts towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254, a solution that respects the unity, cohesion and sovereignty of Syria, guarantees its security and stability, ensures conditions for the voluntary return of refugees and restores Syria's role at the regional and international levels.

Safadi also called for tightening resolution 2642, which is a necessity for Jordan’s delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.

Safadi briefed Lavrov on Jordan's proposal related to developing a collective Arab role in leading the resolution of the Syrian crisis.

Reiterating the centrality of the Palestinian cause, Safadi highlighted the Jordanian-Russian agreement that "there is no alternative to a two-state solution to resolve the conflict and realise comprehensive peace." 

The current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories "will cause new outbreaks of violence", Safadi said, adding that the illegal Israeli measures must be halted, and the peace process must be reactivated to reach a two-state solution that leads to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, in line with international law and the Arab peace initiative, living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security.

On the Ukraine crisis, Safadi stressed that Jordan calls for an immediate ceasefire, reaching a political solution that respects international resolutions.

He also drew attention to the importance of renewing the Black Sea Grain Initiative, noting that “it is an important step to mitigate the impact of the crisis on global food security”.

Describing the discussions as "fruitful", Lavrov highlighted prospects for increasing cooperation in economic, commercial, educational and agricultural fields. 

There are 1,500 Jordanian students studying in Russian universities, he said, expressing his country's readiness to increase the number of scholarships for Jordanians.  

He expressed his country's support for commitments relating to the Syrian crisis and voiced appreciation for Jordan's efforts in support of a political solution in Syria.

He also emphasised the necessity of increasing assistance to Damascus, in the implementation of the UN 2642 resolution

He also expressed Russia's welcoming of the outcomes of the Algeria-held Arab Summit.

He also said that both sides are on the same page regarding the need for supporting Iraq's security and stability.

On the renewal of the grain export deal, he called for implementing the agreement according to a Turkish proposal, including a section related to the export of Russian fertilisers, pointing out that "unfortunately, nothing from the second part of this agreement related to the lifting of all barriers hindering Russian fertiliser and grain exports has materialised”.