Amman, May 26 (Petra) — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide discussed an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and emphasised the urgent need to end the humanitarian crisis caused by war.

Safadi and Barth Eide underscored the necessity of reaching a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, facilitating the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into all parts of Gaza and pursuing a path toward a just and lasting peace that ensures regional security and stability. They urged concerted international efforts to uphold stability.

Safadi and Barth Eide reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Norway and discussed prospects for expanding cooperation. Safadi emphasised Norway’s consistent support for international law, justice and peace, notably its recognition of the Palestinian state.

He reiterated that a just and comprehensive peace, security and stability depend on establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital as outlined in the two-state solution.

Safadi praised Norway’s role in supporting the Palestinian economy through its leadership of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), coordinating international efforts to assist the Palestinian people.

The top diplomats discussed the developments in Syria, emphasising the importance of supporting the Syrian government in rebuilding the country on foundations that ensure security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while respecting the rights of all Syrians.

They agreed that Syria’s stability and security are vital for regional and international peace.

Safadi and Barth Eide discussed the UN80 initiative launched by UN Secretary-General, which proposes ambitious reforms to enhance the efficiency and global leadership of the United Nations.

They underscored the importance of building international support for the reforms and committed to working with partners worldwide to advance the agenda.

In a joint press conference, Safadi expressed pride in the longstanding partnership between Jordan and Norway, highlighting their shared commitment to peace and stability.

He noted their recent meetings with King Abdullah II and emphasised Jordan’s appreciation for Norway’s “principled” support for justice, peace and adherence to international law.

Safadi added that Jordan and Norway are committed to ending the current regional crises and achieving a just peace that recognises Palestinian rights and guarantees security and stability for all.

He praised Norway’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, facilitate aid delivery and uphold the two-state solution principles Norway reiterated during a recent meeting of the Expanded Madrid Group, attended by representatives from 20 countries, including the Arab-Islamic Committee chaired by Saudi Arabia.

Safadi condemned the ongoing Israeli military campaign and the use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza as a “war crime” and a violation of international law and human values. He condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Israeli ministers, warning of the dangerous consequences of such actions and their potential to ignite regional tensions.

He urged the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent extremists from escalating conflicts.

He reaffirmed that a comprehensive, just peace remains the goal one based on the two-state solution, fulfilling the rights of Palestinians and securing peace for the entire region.

Safadi criticised Israeli policies that threaten to displace Palestinians and transform Gaza into an uninhabitable zone, emphasising that such actions violate international law and undermine prospects for peace.

He condemned Israel’s current leadership as jeopardising regional stability for narrow political interests.

Safadi highlighted the strong partnership between Jordan and the United States, citing recent high-level meetings, including with President Donald Trump and reaffirmed Jordan’s support for a peace process that guarantees security and stability for all.

For his part, Barth Eide emphasised the “strong” friendship and cooperation between Norway and Jordan, especially regarding efforts to recognise a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.

He condemned the violence in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and the delivery of humanitarian aid, adding that the ongoing war shows why it is urgent to realise the two-state solution, which he affirmed Norway’s support for, including through active engagement in international fora such as the Madrid Group.

Barth Eide expressed deep concern over recent incidents in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, particularly the repeated Israeli settlers’ incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them a dangerous escalation that must be addressed.

He said Norway is committed to working with Jordan and international partners to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state framework, ensuring the right of Palestinians to an independent and secure state alongside Israel.

Safadi and Barth Eide agreed that the path to peace requires urgent international action to prevent further suffering and to uphold international law. They emphasised their joint determination to continue working together, alongside the global community, to realise a future of stability, justice and peace in the region.

//Petra// AK
26/05/2025 19:38:25