Brussels, April 20 (Petra) – Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi called for coordinated international efforts to support the Palestinian economy, warning that it is under mounting pressure due to Israeli measures, including the withholding of Palestinian Authority clearance revenues of over $4 billion.
Speaking at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in Brussels on Monday, chaired by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and hosted by the EU, Safadi said that investing in the Palestinian economy is an investment in peace one that must be realised through fulfilling the Palestinian people's right to freedom and statehood.
The meeting was attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and held under European and American auspices.
Safadi cautioned that economic support would fall short without credible political steps to create a horizon for a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
He urged halting measures that undermine peace, including settlement expansion, land annexation and violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.
"We are gathered here as partners to achieve a just peace that fulfills the Palestinian people's right to freedom and statehood based on the two-state solution, so that the Palestinian state can live in security and peace alongside Israel," Safadi said.
He added that the meeting, attended by representatives of 28 countries and international organisations, came shortly after a gathering of the Global Coalition for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, underscoring the urgency of linking economic support to concrete political action.
Safadi called for ensuring sustained humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis. He called for the full implementation of relevant international frameworks, including UN Security Council resolutions.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Safadi held separate talks with Kallas and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, focusing on strengthening cooperation between Jordan and the European Union and reviewing regional developments.
Discussions covered preparations for the Jordanian-European Investment Conference, scheduled to be held in Jordan later this year and the Arab-European Ministerial Meeting, which the Kingdom will host next June.
Safadi and EU officials reviewed cooperation programmes under the Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership Agreement, including accelerating the implementation of the EU's Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) programme and support provided through the European Peace Facility (EPF) to enhance Jordan's defence and security capabilities.
Safadi praised the EU for its support in advancing Jordan's development efforts and helping it address the impact of regional crises. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Jordanian-European partnership and enhancing cooperation to promote regional security and stability.
Safadi met with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, to discuss ongoing cooperation programs and the importance of strengthening the partnership between Jordan and the Bank.
//Petra// AK
