Safadi, Dutch Officials Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

Hague, Sept. 4 (Petra)-- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi on Friday met with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during an official visit to the Hague, where he also held talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma.

During his meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister, Safadi conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah II's greetings to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Jordan and the Netherlands.

Safadi also conveyed the King's greetings to Prime Minister Jetten, who in turn conveyed his greetings to His Majesty. Jetten underscored the importance his country attaches to its partnership with Jordan and its keenness to further develop bilateral relations.

The meeting addressed ways to strengthen Jordanian-Dutch cooperation across various fields, as well as efforts aimed at ending the escalation and achieving security and stability in the region.

Safadi also held extensive talks with his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen on bilateral relations and ways to advance them in various areas, as well as regional and international developments.

The two ministers co-chaired the fourth round of political consultations between Jordan and the Netherlands, reaffirming the importance of continued coordination and consultation and of expanding cooperation in the political, economic, trade, investment, security, defense and education fields, while building on the steady progress in bilateral relations.

The talks also focused on strengthening the partnership between the two countries, which this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Safadi and Berendsen stressed the importance of boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation, expanding partnerships between the private sectors of both countries, and capitalizing on opportunities in priority sectors, including water, agriculture, renewable energy, technology and innovation, logistics and healthcare.

The two ministers also discussed ways to build on existing investments and partnerships, including cooperation in the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba. They highlighted the partnership as an important model for investment cooperation that supports Aqaba's position as a trade gateway and regional logistics hub.

They affirmed the need to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of the Jordan-EU partnership, while seeking to broaden the prospects for cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.

Safadi and Berendsen also reaffirmed continued cooperation in humanitarian response efforts in Gaza.

The two sides discussed regional developments, particularly efforts aimed at ending the escalation, restoring calm and enhancing security and stability in the region.

Safadi and his Dutch counterpart expressed support for efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire between the United States and Iran, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue should be the means to reach a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of tension.

They also discussed developments in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Safadi stressed the need for full implementation of US President Donald Trump's plan to consolidate stability in Gaza and for the complete removal of Israeli restrictions on the entry of adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Safadi called for an end to Israel's unlawful measures in the occupied West Bank, including settler violence, settlement expansion, land confiscation and violations of the historic and legal status quo governing Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He said such measures undermine prospects for the two-state solution and efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees security and stability in the region.

Safadi commended the Netherlands' support for the two-state solution, describing it as the only path toward achieving a just and comprehensive peace.

He also welcomed measures taken by the Netherlands in response to Israel's escalating actions in the West Bank, particularly the ban on imports of settlement products, saying the move reflects rejection of Israel's unlawful measures, which constitute a clear violation of international law and further push the region toward conflict.

Safadi praised Dutch support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stressing the need for the international community to continue supporting the agency, which plays an indispensable and irreplaceable role in providing vital services to Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation.

Safadi and Berendsen also discussed developments in Lebanon, stressing the need to consolidate stability in the country and support the Lebanese government in extending its sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.

Safadi underscored the need for Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese territories it has occupied and to implement the understandings reached with the Lebanese government.

The two ministers also stressed the importance of supporting the Syrian government in its reconstruction efforts on foundations that safeguard Syria's unity, sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, while protecting the rights of all Syrians.

Safadi separately met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, with whom he discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in defense, border security and combating drug trafficking, in addition to developments in the region.

Safadi and Yeşilgöz-Zegerius signed a defense cooperation agreement between Jordan and the Netherlands aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination, as well as the exchange of expertise and training.

Safadi also met with Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma to discuss ways to increase economic and trade cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Safadi expressed Jordan's anticipation of active Dutch participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference, which Jordan will host on November 19. He highlighted the conference's importance in showcasing investment opportunities in Jordan, strengthening ties between the two business communities and building new investment partnerships between the private sectors of Jordan and the Netherlands.

During his meetings in the Netherlands, Safadi commended the support provided by the Netherlands to Jordan, which is expected to total around $400 million over 2026-2029 in the areas of water security, education, youth and women's empowerment, and support for Jordan in shouldering the burden of hosting Syrian refugees.

Safadi also participated in a dialogue session hosted by the Clingendael Institute under the title "75 Years of Jordan-Netherlands Relations." //Petra// MF

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