Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi Monday discussed during a call with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly, ways and means of expanding cooperation within the strategic partnership between the two countries. The ministers reaffirmed a common interest in forging broader cooperation in economic, trade, tourism, investment and defense fields, and reaffirmed the continuation of the two countries’ efforts to resolve regional crises and achieve security and stability. They reviewed efforts exerted to stop deterioration in the occupied Palestinian territories, and progress towards a real political horizon to achieve a just and lasting peace. Safadi reiterated that the only way to bring about peace is the two-state solution in accordance with the international legitimacy resolutions and approved references, stressing the need to halt illegal Israeli measures that undermine such solution. Safadi and Cleverly also discussed efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis and find the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their country. He said the return of refugees is the solution to their plight, which necessitates starting to create the necessary environment for their return as a priority in the international approach toward refugees. Safadi also reviewed the challenges Jordan faces as a host of Syrian refugees due to dwindling international aid, stressing that the refugees’ burden is an international responsibility, not the sole responsibility of host countries. He thanked his British counterpart for Britain’s continuous support for development programs in Jordan, and aid to respond to regional crises. For his part, Cleverly appreciated Jordan’s role as a key partner in the region in efforts to bolster security, peace and stability.
Source: Jordan News Agency