Safadi, Austrian Foreign Minister Discuss Bilateral Relations, Regional Developments

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Thursday discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, tourism, education and defence sectors.

During talks in Vienna, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries and advancing their long-standing partnership, which spans more than seven decades.

They also discussed regional developments and efforts aimed at ending escalation and enhancing security and stability, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Speaking at a joint press conference following the talks, Safadi stressed the importance Jordan attaches to its partnership with Austria and the opportunities available to expand cooperation in various fields.

“Jordanian-Austrian relations are moving forward steadily through joint economic, educational and defence programmes, as well as cooperation in efforts to promote regional stability, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union,” he said.

Safadi also highlighted the importance of resuming direct flights between Amman and Vienna in boosting tourism and trade exchanges between the two countries.

He commended Austria's support for the two-state solution and its contribution to humanitarian response efforts in Gaza and to meeting the needs of refugees.

Safadi also stressed the need for the full implementation of US President Donald Trump's plan to consolidate stability in Gaza and the removal of all Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid.

He warned of the consequences of Israel's illegal measures in the West Bank, including settler violence, settlement expansion, land confiscation and violations of the historical and legal status quo at Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that such actions undermine the two-state solution and prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

Safadi stressed the need for effective and influential international action to halt these measures and protect the right of all peoples in the region to live in security and peace.

The two ministers also discussed support for the Syrian government's reconstruction efforts, with Safadi describing Syria as a“success story” that Jordan and Austria agree on the need to support.

He also stressed the need to support the Lebanese government in extending its sovereignty across all Lebanese territory, calling for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas and the implementation of understandings with Lebanon and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Safadi condemned the Iranian attacks on Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, noting that they began hours after the outbreak of the recent war, despite Jordan and other Arab countries having worked to prevent the conflict.

He said Jordan and Austria agreed on the need to pursue diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the crisis, according to the statement.

Safadi also stressed that the US is a partner of Jordan, with the presence of US forces in the Kingdom governed by a defence cooperation agreement under which the forces are stationed at Jordanian military bases and cooperate with the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army in several fields.

He added that Jordan has similar defence cooperation with other partner countries that also have forces in the Kingdom, including Austria.

The two countries signed an agreement several months ago regulating the presence of Austrian forces cooperating with Jordan in military training and the exchange of expertise.

Safadi said Jordan's defence cooperation with partner countries has extended over many years and has proven effective in counter-terrorism efforts.

He stressed that Jordan seeks good relations with Iran, but said this requires addressing the causes of tension, including support for drug and weapons smuggling into the Kingdom and attempts to undermine its security and stability.

Safadi reaffirmed that Jordan will continue to exercise its sovereign and legal right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, stability, sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

He also congratulated Meinl-Reisinger on Austria's election as a member of the UN Security Council from the beginning of next year.

Meinl-Reisinger said Austria considers Jordan a key regional partner and a pillar of security and stability, commending the Kingdom's role in promoting security, stability and peace.

She also highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and the numerous Royal visits to Austria over the years, stressing the importance of building on bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and renewable energy.

Meinl-Reisinger also stressed the importance of continued defence and security cooperation under the agreement signed between the two countries in April 2026, which provides for joint cooperation programmes and military training.

She condemned the Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and expressed Austria's solidarity with Jordan, commending the Kingdom's role in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and treating injured children from the Strip in Jordanian hospitals.

The Austrian minister also commended Jordan's efforts to support stability and recovery in Syria and encourage the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

Safadi also met with members of the Austrian Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence committees to discuss Jordanian-Austrian relations and ways to enhance them, as well as regional and international developments and parliamentary cooperation, ahead of an expected visit to the Kingdom by the Parliament's cross-party Middle East/Gulf Friendship Group.

Safadi also met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi and discussed ways to strengthen existing cooperation between Jordan and the agency.

On Wednesday, Safadi participated in a dialogue session entitled“Jordan's Role in the Middle East: Peacemaker, Mediator and Pillar of Stability” at the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue in Vienna.

Also on Thursday, Safadi held a phone call with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, during which they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

They also discussed regional developments and efforts to end escalation, restore calm and enhance security and stability, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union, agreeing to continue consultations and coordination on issues of mutual interest.

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