ASTANA (Petra) –– Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh on Wednesday called for closer partnership between Europe and the Middle East to overcome common challenges.
Taking part in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Astana on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah, Judeh underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to support OSCE activities.
In an address to participants, the minister said the world today faces many challenges, including trans-border security threats, which endanger national, regional and international stability.
He cited climate change, poverty, terrorism, transnational crimes, health epidemics and the global economic crisis as the most serious international challenges, stressing that these problems cannot be addressed by an individual country.
The official underscored that achieving peace between the Palestinians and Israelis on the basis of a two-state solution and within a regional context will lead to enhancing cooperation to overcome common threats in a sustainable manner.
His Majesty King Abdullah exerts all possible efforts to realise peace and stability in the Middle East on the basis of a two-state solution and international resolutions, particularly the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on 1967 borders, he pointed out.
The foreign minister highlighted Jordan’s efforts to encourage dialogue among different civilisations and religions based on the principles of moderation and tolerance.
He reiterated the Amman Message, which aims to highlight the true tenets of Islam, which reject violence and aggression.
In his speech, Judeh announced Jordan’s intention to launch an initiative in cooperation with OSCE member countries to foster student exchanges in religious sciences. He stressed that the move seeks to promote shared values and embrace dialogue between followers of different faiths.
Foreign ministers representing 56 OSCE member countries as well as representatives of the Council of Europe, NATO and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference took part in the two-day summit.
On the sidelines of the summit, Judeh met with a number of counterparts and other foreign officials.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=32307