Jordan, Greece and Cyprus FMs reaffirm coordination ahead of tripartite summit

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday met with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The meeting, the fourth of its kind, comes within the framework of the tripartite cooperation mechanism that was launched in 2016 targeting a number of vital sectors, increasing collaboration in regard to regional issues and aiming at securing peace, stability and economic growth.

In preparation of the upcoming summit scheduled next year in Greece, the ministers reviewed steps taken by the three countries to implement the decisions made at the summits held by the leaders in Nicosia in 2018 and in Amman in 2019.

In a joint press statement following the meeting, Safadi reaffirmed the importance of the meeting, saying that due to the geographical and cultural proximity between the countries, coordination concerned with regional developments serves as a common interest and a necessity.

Safadi noted the efforts in resolving regional conflicts and ensuring safety in the region based on the concept of non-intervention, respect towards others’ legitimate interests and establishing peace and stability in accordance with international law.

The meeting, Safadi said, focused on Jordan’s central cause, the Palestinian cause, and the efforts exerted in resuming “serious and effective” negotiations to materialise the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of the independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state, living in peace with Israel, on the June 4, 1967, lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Safadi extended appreciation towards the stance of Greece and Cyprus in supporting the two-state solution and the recommencing of negotiations, adding that in partnership with the European Union and the Arab world, attempts are made to “break the ice” and return to negotiations, as failure would aggravate the conflict.

The Jordanian foreign minister stressed that Israel’s one-sided, illegitimate activities in the West Bank hinder the achievement of the two-state solution.

In regard to the Syrian crisis, the ministers agreed on the urgency of arriving at a solution, which guarantees the unity and independence of Syria, ridding the country of foreign intervention and the danger of terrorism.

Safadi thanked both countries’ support to the Kingdom in hosting Syrian refugees, Petra reported.

The foreign minister underlined the need to devote efforts to end the Libyan crisis, as “Libya’s security is part of our security”, adding that “the region does not need additional conflicts” and that dialogue must be employed to end tensions on the basis of international law.

Terrorism is a common enemy that bears no affiliation with Islam and the values of peace, tolerance and mutual love and respect for the other, the foreign minister said, warning against falling for terrorist’s trap of portraying the war on terrorism as that between the Islamic world and the West.

 “An Islamic terrorism does not exist”, Safadi said, adding that His Majesty King Abdullah calls them the khawarej (outlaws of Islam).

Concerning the Iraqi status quo, Safadi emphasised the importance of protecting the country from the repercussions of regional conflicts, adding that the Iraqi government must be supported in its journey of rebuilding, securing stability, regaining sovereignty.

The Cypriot foreign minister said that the European Union regards Jordan “a beacon of peace”, praising the Jordanian-Cypriot relations and reaffirming its supportive stance towards presenting a $250 million worth of  European Union’s financial support to Jordan.

Christodoulides also stressed Cyprus’ commitment in supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The Greek foreign minister said that this cooperation “does not target others”, but is rather open to everyone enjoying the willingness to achieve peace and stability, adding that it is “an honour” for Greece to host the 2021 summit.