Amman, June 24 (Petra) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Ayman Safadi, affirmed that safeguarding Jordan’s national interests, security, and citizens remains the government’s top priority.

Speaking to the "Sawt Al Mamlaka" program, Safadi underscored that Jordan will not serve as a battleground for any external conflict. "We acted as duty-bound to protect the safety of our people," he said, reiterating that while Jordan’s immediate priority is its own security, its broader focus remains on supporting Gaza and the Palestinian cause.

Safadi called for an immediate halt to the war on Gaza and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe. He warned against illegal Israeli escalations in the West Bank, saying they risk triggering an explosion in the occupied territory and undermining all prospects for a just and lasting peace.

He also stressed the need for a genuine political horizon leading to a two-state solution, which he described as the only viable path to peace. "We’ve always asked, what is the alternative to a two-state solution?" he said. "The alternative is continued conflict or a one-state reality one of apartheid not peace."

King’s Diplomacy Earns Global Respect

Safadi credited His Majesty King Abdullah II’s leadership for Jordan’s respected standing on the world stage. "Thanks to His Majesty’s direct engagement and consistent policy of advocating stability and peace, Jordan has become known as a country of moderation, stability, and security," he said.

He emphasized that the world recognizes Jordan’s outsized role in promoting regional peace and security, and noted the unity between the Jordanian people and leadership in upholding these priorities.

Urgent Push for Peace Conference, Palestinian Statehood

On diplomatic efforts, Safadi confirmed ongoing coordination with France and Saudi Arabia to convene a long-delayed international conference on the two-state solution. He said he spoke with the French foreign minister as recently as today and emphasized the importance of global recognition of the Palestinian state as a political necessity, not merely a symbolic move.

"If the international consensus holds that the two-state solution is the only viable option for peace, then the international community must act to protect it from unilateral Israeli actions," Safadi said.

He rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s narrative that Arab countries seek Israel’s destruction, describing it as a false pretext to dismantle peace efforts. Safadi pointed to the Arab Peace Initiative as a viable offer for comprehensive peace that includes a sovereign Palestinian state.

Jordan’s Airspace Not to Be Violated

Safadi reiterated that Jordan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. "We’ve told both Israel and Iran, ‘Do not breach our airspace," he said. "During the Israeli-Iranian escalation, we saw drones and missiles falling inside Jordan, and we conveyed to Tehran clearly and firmly that we will not allow any threat to our security."

He confirmed he had spoken with Iran’s foreign minister on multiple occasions, including last Friday in Istanbul during an OIC meeting, to emphasize Jordan’s position. "We are not a party to these conflicts, but we will not hesitate to act if our sovereignty or people are endangered," he said.

He added that although Jordan supports de-escalation efforts in the region, it will continue to address direct concerns with Iran, including weapons and drug smuggling. "We want good relations with all neighbors, including Iran, but such ties must be based on mutual respect and non-interference," Safadi said.

Strategic Ties with the U.S., Constructive Dialogue with Syria

Safadi described Jordan’s relations with the United States as "strategic and historic," noting strong bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and economic support. He recalled King Abdullah’s meeting with former President Donald Trump, where Jordan unequivocally opposed any plans to displace Palestinians. "Jordan cannot and will not accept any solution that includes the forced transfer of Palestinians," he stated.

On Syria, Safadi said relations are at their best in years. He noted King Abdullah’s phone call and meetings with Syrian leadership, and his own recent visit to Damascus, during which a joint coordination council was formed.

"Stability in Syria is essential for the stability of the region," Safadi said. He voiced full support for Syria’s reconstruction, saying the Syrian people deserve peace and dignity after years of war.

In conclusion, Safadi reiterated that Jordan’s unwavering priorities are the protection of its own interests, promotion of regional peace, and steadfast support for Palestinian rights and statehood. "Jordan will remain firm, united, and committed to the causes of justice, peace, and stability across the region," he said.

//Petra// AF

24/06/2025 23:52:38