Safadi talks pandemic impact, dangers of Israeli annexation plan with Canadian FM

AMMAN — Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his Canadian counterpart François-Philippe Champagne on Thursday affirmed the two countries’ solidarity in facing the coronavirus pandemic and stressed the importance of international cooperation and multilateral action to address its economic repercussions.

During a phone call, the two ministers affirmed the necessity of launching a collective international effort to confront the economic consequences of the pandemic and work to alleviate its repercussions on economic performance and standards of living, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Safadi and Champagne reviewed the international initiatives and ideas put forward for developing cooperation programmes to help countries overcome these economic challenges and the preventive measures imposed.

Safadi voiced appreciation for Canada's support in the Kingdom’s fight against the pandemic, its development path and its role as a host to refugees.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Israel’s decision to annex Palestinian lands. Safadi stressed that, if this decision is implemented, it would “undermine the chances of achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace”.

Safadi warned of the dangers that the decision poses to the security and stability of the region and stressed the need for launching effective international action to prevent Israel from implementing the decision and creating “real prospects” for resolving the conflict through serious and direct negotiations on the basis of a two-state solution in accordance with international law.

The minister expressed appreciation for Canada’s stance rejecting the annexation plan, which is in violation of international law, and its commitment to a two-state solution as the way to resolve the conflict, the statement said.

Safadi and his Canadian counterpart agreed to maintain communication and coordination in regard to regional developments and affirmed the continuation of work to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields, the statement said.