Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Zayani Tuesday held talks in Amman about enhancing bilateral cooperation and coordination and regional and international developments.
Safadi and Zayani had on the top of their agenda list the Palestinian cause, amongst other regional issues, including efforts to resolve regional crises, activating pan-Arab action, fighting terrorism and the repercussions of the Ukrainian crisis.
In a press statement, Safadi said that the talks “focused on ways to advance this distinguished historical relationship that unites the two fraternal kingdoms, which their Majesties are keenly nurturing to develop and move towards broader horizons of cooperation, reflecting the depth of this relationship, its history and strategy.”
Safadi noted that the meeting discussed in detail the bilateral ties, adding that he agreed with his Bahraini counterpart to work to institutionalise the process of consultations between the two ministries and to prepare for sectoral operational meetings between the two countries to set forth clear areas of cooperation.
Safadi said that the two ministries would prepare, within a month, a clear roadmap for how to progress towards a future of “more and clearer cooperation, specifically in this year in which we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.”
He said the meeting reaffirmed the two countries’ support for the two-state solution to the Palestinian cause that would materialise the Palestinians’ aspirations to an independent and free state, according to the Arab Peace Initiative.
He added that he had briefed Zayani about Jordan’s efforts to reinvigorate “serious and effective” negotiations that would lead to peace based on the two-state solution that would create an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Safadi stressed, “There is no other solution to this conflict.” If the two-state solution is not achieved, we are going towards a one-state situation, which would perpetuate apartheid; this would not lead to peace.”
On Syria, Safadi noted the need to activate pan-Arab action to solve the Syrian crisis through a political solution that guarantees Syria’s unity and independence and rids it of terrorism.
He said that Jordan and Bahrain reiterate their support for Iraq, its security and stability, adding that they welcome the Yemen ceasefire, which he hoped to lead to a comprehensive political solution to end hostilities in Yemen and uphold security in GCC member states.
Zayani, in turn, described the meeting as “constructive and fruitful,” adding that the discussions focused on bilateral cooperation.
He noted that the meeting “discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and opportunities for the development of cooperation.”
He added that he agreed with Safadi “to intensify communication to deepen political and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries’ ministries of foreign affairs, increase joint coordination and unify positions in all international forums in light of the major challenges, crises and conflicts that the region is witnessing.”
Zayani added that the meeting discussed regional challenges and developments and threats facing countries in the region and threatening their security and stability, noting that they attach importance to continued coordination and cooperation to support regional peace, stability and prosperity.
He highlighted that the meeting reviewed the outcomes of the Jeddah Summit for Security and Development, in which the leaders of the GCC member states and Jordan, Egypt, Iraq and the U.S. participated, adding that they agreed in the meeting to follow up on the summit’s outcomes.
Zayani added, “We have discussed several regional and international issues of common interest, including the Palestinian issue, the war in Yemen, the Iranian nuclear file, the war in Ukraine, global food security, the energy crisis and other important international issues.”
He said that the two countries’ position towards the Palestinian cause is “firm and permanent,” adding that they appreciate Egypt’s role in realising a ceasefire in Gaza.
Source: Jordan News Agency