Vienna, Sept. 4 (SANA) Jordan and Austria called for continued support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction as their foreign ministers met in Vienna to discuss escalating regional tensions and efforts to promote stability.
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Thursday, with talks also covering bilateral ties and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions across the region, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Safadi said Jordan and Austria agreed on the need to support the Syrian government as it works to rebuild the country.
“Syria is now presenting a success story that we and Austria agree must be supported,” Safadi said.
Meinl-Reisinger praised Jordan’s role in supporting stability and recovery in Syria and encouraging the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, according to the ministry.
At a joint news conference, the two ministers stressed diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional crises. Safadi said Jordan would continue to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and citizens.
Safadi condemned Iranian aggressions on Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council states, saying Arab countries had not been parties to the latest war and had sought to prevent its outbreak. Meinl-Reisinger also condemned the attacks and expressed Austria’s solidarity with Jordan.
The ministers also discussed Lebanon, with Safadi calling for support for the Lebanese government in extending its sovereignty across the country, an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
On Gaza, Safadi called for the full implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to consolidate stability in the enclave and for Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid to be lifted.
He also warned that Israeli measures in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, settler violence and land seizures, were undermining the two-state solution and prospects for a comprehensive peace.
Meinl-Reisinger described Jordan as a key regional partner and a pillar of security and stability, while praising its role in delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza and treating wounded Palestinian children.
Earlier, Safadi met members of the Austrian parliament’s foreign affairs and defense committees to discuss bilateral relations, regional and international developments and parliamentary cooperation.
kA/ABD
