(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The EU Thursday described Jordan as a "moderate, tolerant voice" which plays "stabilizing role both regionally and internationally" and said it wants to deepen ties with it.
"The EU values Jordan as a key partner in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and is committed to further strengthening a close, constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with Jordan," said an EU statement following the 11th ministerial meeting of the EU-Jordan Association Council in Luxembourg tonight.
Jordan was led by foreign minister Nasser Judeh, and the EU side by Federica Mogherini, Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and the EU High Representative designate.
"The EU and Jordan share the common objective to create conditions conducive to lasting peace, stability and development in the region and beyond," it noted.
"The developments in Syria and Iraq, most notably, represent a threat not only to Jordan, but also to the EU. Jordan and the EU are equally concerned by the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Syria and Iraq as a result of the occupation of parts of their territory by the terrorist organization operating under the name Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)," said the statement.
It said that "instability in Syria, caused by the Assad regime's brutal war against its own people, has allowed ISIL to flourish. A lasting solution urgently requires a political transition by mutual consent based on the Geneva communique in order to restore stability and peace in Syria." In Iraq, the statement said "we will work together to support the Iraqi people to meet this challenge, and we fully support the new inclusive Iraqi government in its efforts to address the needs of all Iraqis, regardless of ethnic origin or religious belief." The statement recalled that the situation in the Gaza Strip has to be seen within the broader context of the Middle East Peace Process and the prospect of comprehensive peace where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognised borders.
"The Gaza Strip constitutes an integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and will be part of a future State of Palestine. The situation in the Gaza Strip cannot and must not be seen separately from the broader challenges and developments on the ground that continue to make the prospect of the two-state solution increasingly difficult to attain," it added.
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