Lisbon, May 19 (Petra) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi held talks on Monday
evening in Lisbon with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel.

The two ministers reaffirmed the strong historical ties between
Jordan and Portugal and explored ways to deepen cooperation in a
range of sectors, including economic affairs, investment, renewable
energy, water resources, agriculture, education, tourism, and defense
industries, both bilaterally and through cooperation with the
European Union.

Safadi and Rangel agreed to convene the next round of political
consultations between the two countries at the earliest opportunity
to help develop practical cooperation programs and broaden the scope
of bilateral partnership.

The ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding between their
respective foreign ministries covering diplomatic training and the
exchange of information and documents. The agreement is intended to
strengthen institutional cooperation, enhance the exchange of
expertise, support diplomatic capacity-building, and improve
coordination and consultation mechanisms between the two sides.

Discussions also covered regional developments and international
efforts aimed at de-escalation and restoring lasting peace and
stability through addressing the root causes of tension.

The ministers reviewed the serious situation in the occupied
Palestinian territories, where Safadi stressed the importance of
maintaining stability in Gaza, ensuring the unhindered delivery of
sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid, and stopping unlawful
Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, including settlement
expansion, settler violence, land confiscation, and attempts to alter
the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy
sites in Jerusalem.

The talks additionally addressed developments in Lebanon, with Safadi
underscoring the need to preserve the ceasefire and support the
Lebanese government’s efforts to extend its sovereignty over all
Lebanese territory and ensure that weapons remain solely under state
authority.

In joint press remarks, Safadi and Rangel emphasized the importance
of building on the current momentum in bilateral relations and
expanding areas of cooperation. They described their discussions as
constructive and comprehensive, focusing on opportunities for
collaboration in key sectors.

The ministers also revealed that Jordan and Portugal are working
toward establishing a direct flight route between Amman and Lisbon,
which would provide a significant boost to economic cooperation,
trade exchange, and tourism between the two countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening
multilateral cooperation, upholding international law and the Charter
of the United Nations, and supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at
resolving crises and promoting security and stability.

Safadi praised Portugal’s firm support for peace and stability in the
region, particularly its backing of the two-state solution and the
Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state living
in peace and security alongside Israel. He also welcomed Portugal’s
decision to recognize the Palestinian state, describing it as a
reflection of commitment to international law and a just and
comprehensive peace.

Rangel, in turn, commended Jordan’s important role in promoting
regional security and stability and advancing efforts to achieve
peace based on the two-state solution, expressing Portugal’s
willingness to cooperate closely with Jordan in pursuit of these
goals.

Safadi is scheduled to continue his meetings in Lisbon today with a
number of Portuguese officials.

//Petra// WH