Moscow, August 20 (Petra) – Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi held comprehensive talks in Moscow on Wednesday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on enhancing cooperation and addressing key regional developments.

Safadi and Lavrov said Jordan and Russia are committed to strengthening the strategic relationship, as laid out by His Majesty King Abdullah II and President Vladimir Putin. They discussed expanding collaboration across economic, trade, tourism and cultural sectors.

The top diplomats announced preparations for the seventh meeting of the Jordanian-Russian Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation, to be held in Moscow before the end of the year.

In a key development, the two countries signed an agreement waiving entry visa requirements for their citizens, expected to boost tourism and economic ties.

The ministers reviewed regional crises, particularly the situation in Gaza. Safadi called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, an end to the Israeli blockade and unimpeded humanitarian aid access.

He warned of the grave consequences of continued Israeli war on Gaza and broader regional stability, highlighting violations in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.

At a joint press conference, Safadi said that Jordan, under King Abdullah’s leadership, is actively working to halt the violence in Gaza and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.

He praised Russia’s support for a ceasefire and efforts to allow aid into the Strip, where “Gazans are dying from hunger, bombardment and deprivation.”

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s support for the Arab Peace Initiative and a two-state solution, calling the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital the only path to lasting peace.

He criticised the Israeli government’s “expansionist and extremist” policies, which he said are aimed at perpetuating conflict and undermining any prospects for peace.

“There is a clear Arab peace proposal on the table. In contrast, we see a destructive agenda being implemented, aimed at deepening the crisis and perpetuating occupation,” he said.

“The international community must choose: support a just and lasting peace or enable continued instability,” Safadi added.

Addressing the situation in the occupied West Bank, Safadi condemned Israeli settlement activity, land confiscations and attacks on religious sites. He accused Israel of pressuring the Orthodox Church and attempting to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem.

Turning to Syria, Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s “unwavering” support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and stability. He warned against Israeli actions on Syrian territory, which he said risk fueling chaos and undermining regional security.

He outlined efforts, in coordination with Syria and the United States, to stabilise southern Syria especially As-Suwayda Governorate following recent unrest.

Safadi said Jordan is committed to ensuring that all Syrians enjoy safety, rights and dignity and that Syria’s unity remains intact.

He praised the Amman Statement, which calls for cooperation between the Syrian government and UN agencies to investigate violations, deliver humanitarian aid and reintegrate Suwayda into the broader Syrian state.

A Jordanian-American-Syrian committee has been established to upholdthe ceasefire and advance these goals.

On the issue of Ukraine, Safadi welcomed U.S.-Russia dialogue and reiterated Jordan’s support for a political solution based on international law and legitimacy.

In response to questions, Safadi said that Israel’s expansionist policies threaten the entire region. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal and to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He called for recognition of the Palestinian state as a tangible step toward peace, highlighting a recent international conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France where 125 countries expressed support for Palestinian statehood.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed Moscow’s desire to deepen economic, trade, educational and cultural ties with Jordan. He confirmed plans to hold the seventh session of the Joint Committee later this year and noted Russia’s ongoing support for Jordanian students and cultural exchange programmes.

Lavrov emphasised alignment with Jordan on key regional issues, including Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He called for intensified efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and supported the resumption of peace negotiations aimed at establishing a Palestinian state.

Lavrov highlighted the role of Russian Orthodox pilgrims and noted Russia’s appreciation for Jordan’s care of religious sites, particularly the Baptism Site at Al-Maghtas.

Lavrov expressed Russia’s anticipation of King Abdullah II’s participation in the first Russian-Arab summit this October and a potential meeting with President Putin.

On cultural exchange, Lavrov highlighted that approximately 1,500 Jordanian students are currently studying in Russia, reflecting the strength of educational ties between the two countries.

He noted the active participation of Russian-Jordanian national artistic groups in cultural initiatives.

//Petra// AK
20/08/2025 18:13:11