Lisbon, May 19 (Petra) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi held talks on Monday evening in Lisbon with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel.

The two ministers reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Jordan and Portugal and explored ways to deepen cooperation in a range of sectors, including economic affairs, investment, renewable energy, water resources, agriculture, education, tourism, and defense industries, both bilaterally and through cooperation with the European Union.

Safadi and Rangel agreed to convene the next round of political consultations between the two countries at the earliest opportunity to help develop practical cooperation programs and broaden the scope of bilateral partnership.

The ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding between their respective foreign ministries covering diplomatic training and the exchange of information and documents. The agreement is intended to strengthen institutional cooperation, enhance the exchange of expertise, support diplomatic capacity-building, and improve coordination and consultation mechanisms between the two sides.

Discussions also covered regional developments and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and restoring lasting peace and stability through addressing the root causes of tension.

The ministers reviewed the serious situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, where Safadi stressed the importance of maintaining stability in Gaza, ensuring the unhindered delivery of sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid, and stopping unlawful Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, including settlement expansion, settler violence, land confiscation, and attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The talks additionally addressed developments in Lebanon, with Safadi underscoring the need to preserve the ceasefire and support the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend its sovereignty over all Lebanese territory and ensure that weapons remain solely under state authority.

In joint press remarks, Safadi and Rangel emphasized the importance of building on the current momentum in bilateral relations and expanding areas of cooperation. They described their discussions as constructive and comprehensive, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in key sectors.

The ministers also revealed that Jordan and Portugal are working toward establishing a direct flight route between Amman and Lisbon, which would provide a significant boost to economic cooperation, trade exchange, and tourism between the two countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation, upholding international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving crises and promoting security and stability.

Safadi praised Portugal’s firm support for peace and stability in the region, particularly its backing of the two-state solution and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state living in peace and security alongside Israel. He also welcomed Portugal’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state, describing it as a reflection of commitment to international law and a just and comprehensive peace.

Rangel, in turn, commended Jordan’s important role in promoting regional security and stability and advancing efforts to achieve peace based on the two-state solution, expressing Portugal’s willingness to cooperate closely with Jordan in pursuit of these goals.

Safadi is scheduled to continue his meetings in Lisbon today with a number of Portuguese officials.

//Petra// WH