AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the first Jordan-European Union summit, held on Thursday in Amman by His Majesty King Abdullah with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marks a significant milestone in strengthening strategic Jordan-EU relations.

 

Speaking at a press conference following the summit at Al Husseiniya Palace, Safadi commended the strong and enduring partnership with the EU, noting that it is built on mutual respect, shared values, and joint efforts to achieve security, prosperity, and peace in the region.

 

The minister commended the support provided by the EU to Jordan in advancing economic modernisation efforts and in addressing the repercussions of regional crises that have heavily affected the Kingdom, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

Safadi highlighted that the summit reflected the depth of Jordan-EU relations and the shared determination to advance them through practical measures across various sectors, particularly political, economic, investment, security, defence, and other vital areas.

 

He noted that Jordan will host the first Jordan-European Investment Conference in April, attended by European officials and institutions, to discuss a key pillar of the Economic Partnership Agreement, economic resilience and investment, and explore ways to activate initiatives that will positively impact Jordan’s economy and Jordan-EU relations.

 

The minister added that the summit statement reaffirmed continued European support for Jordan, including direct support for the budget and economic projects, concessional loans, and investment promotion.

 

On political issues, Safadi said Jordan and the EU stressed the importance of adherence to international law and international humanitarian law, and of working together to enhance regional security and stability and resolve crises that impede peace, security, and prosperity.

 

He affirmed that both sides underscored the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the full implementation of the US President’s 20-point plan, while warning of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and calling for sufficient and sustainable delivery of aid through the relevant UN agencies.

 

Safadi pointed out that there is a clear stance reflecting a true understanding of Gaza’s priorities, from achieving a ceasefire to addressing the humanitarian crisis and reaching the political solution outlined by the relevant UN Security Council resolution.

 

He also referred to extensive discussions on the West Bank and the risk of escalation there, stressing a unified position on working together to achieve a just and lasting peace, with a two-state solution as the only path to that peace.

 

Safadi noted that protecting this peace requires safeguarding the two-state solution by halting all measures that undermine its prospects, from settlement expansion to land confiscation to the economic blockade of the Palestinian Authority, and stressed the importance of respecting the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as the role of the Hashemite custodianship in protecting that status.

 

The minister added that the summit also addressed other regional issues, foremost Syria, emphasising the need to strengthen security and stability there and support the economic recovery process. He noted that there was agreement to support Syria in reconstruction efforts based on principles that ensure its security, unity, stability, and the protection of its territory and citizens.

 

Safadi said migration and refugee issues formed a key pillar of the strategic partnership, with the summit discussing conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees to Syria, while continuing cooperation to ensure dignified living conditions for refugees in their host locations until they can return home voluntarily.

 

Regarding Lebanon, Safadi noted reaffirmed support for its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

 

On the Ukraine crisis, the minister reiterated Jordan’s consistent position of seeking a just political solution based on international law and the UN Charter, preserving Ukraine’s unity and territorial integrity in line with international and humanitarian law.