Mexico city: Senate Speaker Faisal Al-Fayez met with Mexican Senate President Laura Itzel Castillo to discuss ways to enhance Jordanian-Mexican relations in various sectors, focusing on mutual benefits for both countries and their citizens.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting, which included Jordan's Ambassador to Mexico, Adli Al-Khalidi, also addressed regional developments, notably the impact of the Iranian-U.S.-Israeli war on the Middle East and the global community, as well as opportunities for achieving peace in the region.
The discussions occurred during Al-Fayez's participation in the 46th annual forum of the Parliamentarians for Global Action and the fourth advisory assembly of parliamentarians for oceans in Mexico City. The gatherings emphasize the role of parliamentarians in marine environment protection, biodiversity, sustainable development, governance, and marine conservation.
Al-Fayez highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between Jordan and Mexico, established in 1975, and stressed the Senate's dedication to bolstering bilateral cooperation and maintaining dialogue on shared concerns, particularly regarding Middle East developments. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary relations and activating the 2015 parliamentary cooperation agreement. Additionally, he advocated for expanding economic ties in culture, education, and sustainable development and coordinating positions in international parliamentary forums.
He pointed to King Abdullah II's 2014 visit to Mexico as a significant event that boosted bilateral relations and proposed the creation of a joint Jordanian-Mexican business council to facilitate direct engagement and implement agreements signed during the royal visit.
On regional matters, Al-Fayez discussed the challenges facing the Middle East, including economic pressures from regional conflicts and Israeli policies, and the broader impact of the ongoing war on energy prices, food supply chains, and regional stability. He reiterated King Abdullah II's efforts for Middle East peace, stating that stability hinges on resolving the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution and warned against escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem.
Al-Fayez firmly rejected any attempts to resolve the Palestinian issue at Jordan's expense, including forced displacement, which he deemed a war crime. He urged Mexico and the international community to support efforts to end Israeli aggression in Gaza and advance a just peace based on the two-state solution.
Regarding the Iranian-U.S.-Israeli war, Al-Fayez emphasized Jordan's call for an end to the conflict due to its dangerous repercussions, asserting that Jordan would not become a battlefield and condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Jordan and Gulf countries.
Castillo praised King Abdullah II's role in supporting international efforts for Middle East peace and highlighted the depth of Jordanian-Mexican relations. She acknowledged Jordan's role in facilitating the evacuation of Mexican nationals during the events of October 7 and noted the expansion of bilateral relations in trade, culture, and academic exchange, including a twinning agreement between Petra and Chich©n Itz¡ and academic partnerships between universities in both countries.
She highlighted cooperation between Amman and Mexico City, creating opportunities for further strengthening relations. Castillo congratulated Jordan on its 80th independence anniversary and expressed confidence in deepening dialogue and expanding cooperation, particularly in trade and investment. Despite geographical distance, she reaffirmed both countries' commitment to peace and security and Mexico's support for the two-state solution.
Castillo voiced concern over the situation in Gaza, particularly the high casualties among children, and expressed hope for achieving peace, self-determination, and sovereignty for the State of Palestine. She concluded by affirming the Mexican Senate's commitment to strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations and expanding economic and investment cooperation between the two nations.