Khaberni - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi, on Monday, affirmed the importance of the international efforts to support the Palestinian economy which faces increasing pressures due to an economic blockade imposed by Israel through unlawful measures, including the confiscation of funds belonging to the authority from customs revenues, and other revenues, totaling over 4 billion dollars.
Safadi emphasized during his speech at a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for coordinating international aid to the Palestinian people in Brussels, chaired by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and hosted by the European Union, that investing in the Palestinian economy is an investment in peace that must be realized through fulfilling the Palestinian people's right to freedom and statehood.
Safadi stated during the meeting, attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and held under European and American sponsorship, that the results of economic support would fade unless accompanied by a genuine move to create a political horizon to achieve fair peace on the basis of a two-state solution.
Safadi also stressed the necessity to stop Israeli unlawful actions that undermine the two-state solution, including settlement expansion, land annexation, assaults on freedom of worship, and violations of the holy Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.
Safadi added: "We gather here as partners aiming to achieve a fair peace that fulfills the Palestinian people's right to freedom and statehood based on the two-state solution so that the Palestinian state can live in security and peace alongside Israel".
Safadi highlighted the importance of holding the meeting to support the Palestinian economy which was attended by representatives from 28 countries and international organizations, shortly after a meeting of the international coalition to implement the two-state solution at the expert level in Brussels as well, in affirming the necessity to commit to economic support with a real move towards implementing the two-state solution as the only way to achieve fair peace.
Safadi emphasized the necessity of sufficiently and sustainably delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which still suffers from a humanitarian disaster affecting its people, and the need to fully implement the initiatives of US President Donald Trump regarding the sector and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
Solid Jordanian-European Relations and Ongoing Cooperation
Furthermore, Safadi had discussions with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and European Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs Dubravka Šuica, in two separate meetings, focused on enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and the European Union, and they discussed the situation in the region.
The discussions also covered updates regarding the upcoming Jordanian-European investment conference to be held in Jordan before the end of this year, as well as preparations for the upcoming Arab-European Ministerial meeting, which will be hosted by the Kingdom in June.
Safadi also discussed cooperation programs and economic support provided to the Kingdom by the European Commission, in light of the comprehensive and strategic partnership agreement, including accelerating the implementation of the total financial assistance program MFA for Jordan, as well as assistance allocated to the Kingdom to strengthen defense and security areas within the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Safadi appreciated the support provided by the European Union to Jordan in supporting its development process and helping it face the consequences of regional crises.
Safadi, Kallas, and Šuica affirmed the robustness of the Jordanian-European partnership and the continuation of cooperation to strengthen it, and in efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.
In addition, during his visit to Brussels, Safadi met with the World Bank Director General for Operations Anna Bjerde, and discussed cooperation programs between Jordan and the bank, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the two sides.
