AMMAN— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held extensive talks in Paris with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean Noel Barrot on strengthening bilateral ties and regional developments.

 

Safadi and Barrot emphasised the deep relationship between Jordan and France, reiterating joint commitment to enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education, and defence, both bilaterally and within the strategic partnership framework with the European Union, according to a ministry statement.

 

Safadi expressed anticipation for active French participation in the upcoming Jordan-EU Investment Conference, which the Kingdom is scheduled to host on November 19.

 

The two ministers stressed support for ongoing efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

 

Addressing regional stability, Safadi warned against the consequences of illegal actions and escalations by Israel in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, as well as against Syria and Lebanon.

 

Safadi stressed the importance of executing all provisions of US President Donald Trump’s plan to achieve stability in Gaza.

 

He highlighted the urgency of launching international and European action to protect the region, preserve prospects for a just peace, and counter actions that push the West Bank toward explosive tension while violating Syrian and Lebanese sovereignty in clear breach of international law.

 

Safadi valued France’s stance supporting the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and an independent state based on the two-state solution, pointing to the significance of the two-state solution conference organised jointly by Saudi Arabia and France last year.

 

The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination on advancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and international issues of mutual concern.

 

On Friday, Safadi met with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during an official visit to The Hague, which also included talks with Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.

 

During his meeting with Jetten, Safadi conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Abdullah to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, commending the strong ties binding both nations, according to a second ministry statement.

 

Jetten expressed his country's commitment to further enhancing its partnership with Jordan.

 

Safadi also held extensive discussions with Berendsen, focusing on bilateral ties and regional developments.

 

The two ministers co-chaired the fourth round of political consultations between Jordan and the Netherlands, emphasising the importance of ongoing coordination across political, economic, trade, investment, security, defence, and educational sectors as both nations mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

 

The two ministers discussed expanding private-sector partnerships in priority areas, including water, agriculture, renewable energy, technology, logistics, and healthcare.

 

They highlighted existing investments, notably in Aqaba’s port and logistics operations, which serve as a model for investment cooperation that supports Aqaba’s position as a regional logistics hub.

 

Safadi and Berendsen underlined their shared commitment to humanitarian response efforts in Gaza and addressed regional developments aimed at de-escalation and promoting stability.

 

Both ministers supported ongoing efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and for adapting diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the root causes of regional tension.

 

Regarding Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Safadi stressed the necessity of fully implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan to reach stability in Gaza and lifting all Israeli restrictions on the entry of sufficient, sustained humanitarian aid.

 

He urged an immediate end to illegal Israeli measures in the West Bank, including settler violence, settlement expansion, land confiscation, and violations of the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem's Islamic and Christian holy sites.

 

Safadi expressed appreciation for the Netherlands' stance supporting the two-state solution and praised Dutch measures against Israeli escalatory actions, particularly the ban on importing settlement products.

 

He also commended Dutch support for UNRWA, stressing its indispensable role in serving Palestinian refugees.

 

The two ministers reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon, stressing the need to support Lebanese stability and sovereign authority, while calling for an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.

 

They also underscored the importance of supporting Syrian reconstruction efforts on foundations that guarantee Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

 

During his meeting with Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, Safadi discussed enhancing defence, border security, and counter-narcotics cooperation.

 

The two officials signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at advancing joint coordination, training, and exchange of expertise.

 

During his meeting with Sjoerdsma, the two minister explored avenues to boost trade and economic cooperation.

 

He called for an active Dutch participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference scheduled in Amman on November 19.

 

Safadi praised the Netherlands' continued support for the Kingdom, which is scheduled to reach some $400 million between 2026 and 2029, targeting water security, education, youth and women empowerment, and hosting Syrian refugees.

 

During his visit, Safadi also participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Clingendael Institute titled "75 Years of Jordanian-Dutch Relations."