AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held talks in Riyadh on Wednesday on regional developments and bilateral relations.

 

During the talks, Safadi expressed Jordan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting attacks by the Houthi militia and reaffirmed support for all measures taken by Riyadh to safeguard its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens and residents, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

He also renewed Jordan’s condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as violations of international law, the UN Charter and Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.

 

The two ministers also discussed regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain their regional and international repercussions and restore calm.

 

They stressed the importance of achieving lasting security and stability, respecting international law and upholding good-neighborly relations.

 

The talks also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing coordination on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

 

During the meeting, the two top diplomats signed an amended protocol to the agreement establishing the Jordanian-Saudi Higher Coordination Council, which was originally signed in Riyadh in 2016 in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

 

The council aims to institutionalise and expand bilateral relations across various sectors in the interests of both countries and their peoples. The amended protocol updates its organisational structure and is intended to enhance its effectiveness, the statement said.

 

The council is chaired by His Majesty King Abdullah and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries’ foreign ministers will head its general secretariat, while their respective foreign ministries will oversee its work, including preparations for council meetings and those of its committees and working groups.

 

The Higher Coordination Council will replace the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee.