Baku, July 8 (Petra) - Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi met on Wednesday with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku on prospects of advancing bilateral cooperation, and also discussed regional developments.
The ministers stressed the deep economic relations in energy, tourism, trade, and investment, and agreed to carry out a trade roadmap set during November’s joint committee meeting in Baku.
The ministers co-chaired a second round of political consultations, and signed two major agreements: a visa-waiver agreement to facilitate business travel and tourism, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand energy cooperation.
They also discussed regional developments, stressing the need to boost efforts to end escalation and bring about security and stability in the region.
In a joint press conference with his Azeri counterpart, Safadi spoke of Jordan’s commitment to elevating bilateral relations, adding that His Majesty King Abdullah II places great importance on expanding cooperation in trade, industry, investment, tourism, and education fields.
On regional matters, Safadi urged adherence to the memorandum of understanding that led to a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and stressed dialogue as the avenue to end the crisis.
He reiterated Jordan's rejection of any attacks on the Kingdom and its brotherly Arab Gulf states, and the need to reach a solution based on respect for international law and the sovereignty of states, addressing all causes of tension in recent years, and ensuring freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Safadi said he and his Azeri counterpart had an in-depth discussion of the Palestinian issue, and stressed the need to fully implement US President Donald Trump’s plan to stabilize Gaza and ensure the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip, which helps to achieve stability and opens the way for a better future of peace.
Safadi valued Baku's support of the two-state solution that ends the occupation and paves the way for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state that lives in security and peace alongside Israel in accordance with international law and international legitimacy resolutions as the only path to just peace.
He congratulated Azerbaijan on reaching a peace agreement with Armenia, stressing the Kingdom’s welcome and support for the deal as a key step towards consolidating peace between the two countries and in the entire region.
Safadi also told reporters there are many opportunities for regional cooperation in the fields of oil pipelines, railway and land transport, electrical connectivity, communications and information technology between the Arabian Gulf, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, and Central Asian countries.
He pointed to Jordan's competitive advantage in terms of location, stability and qualified human resources, adding that Syria's restoration of its stability and status opens the way for regional connectivity from the Gulf and through Jordan and Syria to Turkey and from there to the countries of Central Asia.
For his part, Bayramov stressed the importance of closer cooperation with Jordan in many sectors of joint interest, reflecting the solid friendship, trust and mutual respect between the two countries.
He said he looks forward to starting direct and regular flights between Azerbaijan and Jordan, to strengthen relations.
The Azeri minister pointed out the importance of the visa exemption agreement, which will enhance communication between the two peoples, stimulate tourism, and facilitate the movement of businessmen in the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Safadi visited Victory Park and Martyrs' Lane in Baku, where he laid wreaths in honor of Azerbaijan's fallen.
//Petra// HA, SS
