The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to Athens on 26th June, 2024, concluding Safadi’s official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional issues, including the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In their discussions, Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Deputy Prime Minister Safadi explored various avenues to enhance bilateral relations. This dialogue was conducted within the context of the trilateral cooperation with Cyprus and under the broader framework of the European Union. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, thereby reinforcing the already strong ties between Greece and Jordan.
Deputy Prime Minister Safadi reiterated the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah to fostering the partnership between the two nations. Safadi conveyed King Abdullah’s greetings to the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who, in turn, emphasized the significance of the relationship and appreciated the role of King Abdullah in promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.
Addressing Regional Conflicts and Humanitarian Efforts
A significant portion of the discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader Middle East. Both leaders expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Safadi highlighted the urgent need for adequate and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the beleaguered region. He underscored the catastrophic impact of the conflict, noting that the ongoing Israeli aggression has led to the displacement of over two-thirds of Gaza’s population, the deaths of more than 39,000 people—70% of whom are women and children—and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and mosques. Both leaders also discussed strategies to prevent the escalation of conflict to Lebanon and the West Bank and emphasized the need for effective international action to resolve the conflict based on internationally recognized resolutions.
The Role of International Cooperation
Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Deputy Prime Minister Safadi emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues. Safadi highlighted the significant impact that regional instability has on both Greece and Jordan, noting that threats to security and stability in one region inevitably affect the other. He praised the trilateral cooperation mechanism involving Jordan, Greece, and Cyprus, which aims to foster stability and development in the region. Safadi also held talks with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, discussing bilateral relations and regional issues. Gerapetritis expressed appreciation for Jordan’s efforts in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and its role in maintaining cultural diversity and religious tolerance. He acknowledged the heavy burden Jordan shoulders by hosting millions of Palestinian refugees, providing them with safety and support amidst ongoing regional turmoil.
The meetings between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi underscored the strong bilateral relations between Greece and Jordan. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address regional challenges, enhance humanitarian efforts, and promote peace and stability. The visit highlighted the shared values and mutual interests that underpin the partnership between the two nations, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the face of evolving regional dynamics.
