AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Tuesday received Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Stenergard, with talks focusing on boosting bilateral relations and regional developments.

 

Safadi and Stenergard reviewed the outcomes of His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to Sweden in October 2025 and discussed ways to build on them through practical programmes and steps to expand cooperation in the economic, investment, tourism, education and defence sectors, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

The two ministers also reiterated the depth of the Jordan–Sweden partnership and their shared commitment to further developing it both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU. They also agreed to hold the first round of political consultations between the two foreign ministries in 2026.

 

The talks also addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, with the ministers stressing the need to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure full adherence to all its provisions, and allow the entry of sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid.

 

Safadi underscored the necessity of lifting all restrictions impeding the delivery of aid, noting that current assistance remains below the minimum agreed upon in the ceasefire agreement and does not meet 20 per cent of Gaza’s needs.

 

He stressed the importance of linking stabilisation efforts with a genuine political horizon to achieve comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, which envisages an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in security and peace alongside Israel.

 

The ministers also discussed developments in the occupied West Bank, where Safadi warned of the dangers of Israeli escalation and illegal measures that risk triggering further unrest, undermining de-escalation efforts and eroding prospects for peace.

 

Safadi emphasised the need for concerted international efforts to stop such measures and expressed appreciation for Sweden’s support for the two-state solution, its efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza, and its contributions to humanitarian response efforts in the Strip.

 

Discussions also covered developments in Syria and efforts to support reconstruction on foundations that ensure the country’s unity, sovereignty, security and stability, as well as the safety and rights of its citizens. Safadi said supporting Syria is integral to regional security and stability, warning of the repercussions of Israeli attacks and interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

 

Safadi also underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the EU, reiterating Jordan’s aspiration to host the Jordan–EU Summit on 8 January 2026, which he said would mark a key milestone in deepening cooperation.

 

The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination to enhance prospects for cooperation across various fields, both bilaterally and within the framework of Jordan’s partnership with the EU.