Doha: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani co-chaired the fifth session of the Jordanian-Qatari Joint Higher Committee. The session, held on Sunday, aimed to deepen the relations between the two countries and explore avenues for further cooperation in various sectors, following the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
According to Jordan News Agency, Safadi and Al Thani emphasized the importance of institutionalizing and expanding bilateral cooperation to serve the mutual interests of Jordan and Qatar. They signed the minutes of the committee's fifth session and a memorandum of understanding for bilateral political consultations. Additional agreements included cooperation in tourism, business events, endowments, Islamic affairs, and a youth cooperation protocol for 2026-2028.
The session was preceded by a meeting attended by key ministers and officials from both countries. Discussions centered on strengthening strategic relations and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. Regional developments were also addressed, with both sides expressing the necessity of adhering to the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and enabling the delivery of humanitarian aid. They called for progress toward establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.
Safadi and Al Thani welcomed the formation of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan. They also acknowledged the efforts of the United States and regional mediators in advancing peace initiatives. The importance of supporting Gaza's administration while maintaining territorial unity was highlighted.
Regarding Syria, the ministers stressed the need to support rebuilding efforts that ensure Syria's unity and stability. The meetings concluded with a joint statement reaffirming the growth of Jordanian-Qatari relations and emphasizing the significance of the agreements signed. The statement reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause and warned against Israeli actions undermining the two-state solution.
The statement also addressed regional issues in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia, advocating for respect of state sovereignty and political solutions to crises. Israeli violations in Syria and Lebanon were condemned, and Israel's recognition of "Somaliland" was rejected. The statement underlined the Hashemite custodianship over holy sites in Jerusalem and the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in supporting Palestinian refugees.