AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Tuesday met with British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss developments and ways to strengthen the historic ties between Jordan and the United Kingdom.

 

Safadi and Cooper emphasised the need to enhance cooperation and coordination between Jordan and the UK across all sectors, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

The officials reviewed regional developments and highlighted the need to step up efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the importance of opening all crossings to ensure the immediate and adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to the territory.

 

They also discussed ways to align efforts to stabilise Gaza with a clear political framework aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, the statement said.

 

Safadi and Cooper highlighted the importance of ensuring sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid in Gaza, removing obstacles, and keeping crossings open for UN and humanitarian organisations to carry out aid distribution.

 

They also emphasised the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in facilitating aid delivery.

 

During the meeting, Cooper praised Jordan’s pivotal role as a central hub for coordinating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza via the Jordanian aid corridor.

 

The two sides discussed developments in the West Bank, with Safadi emphasising the need to stop the dangerous escalation and Israel’s illegal measures that threaten the two-state solution, particularly settlement expansion, land confiscations, the blockade of the Palestinian economy, and attempts to alter the historic and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.

 

Safadi commended the United Kingdom for its role in promoting security and stability in the region, its support for the two-state solution and its recognition of the Palestinian state.

 

The two ministers also reviewed developments in Syria, stressing the importance of joint efforts to support its reconstruction while safeguarding security and stability. Safadi highlighted the need to back the Syrian government’s rebuilding initiatives on principles that uphold Syria’s unity, sovereignty, security and the safety of its territory and citizens, and also reaffirmed Jordan’s condemnation of Israeli interventions and attacks aimed at creating discord and instability in the country.

 

They agreed to continue cooperation and coordination to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues of mutual interest, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.