Jordan- FM, Kenyan counterpart talk cooperation, regional developments

(MENAFN - Jordan News Agency) Amman, Mar. 31 (Petra)- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, and his Kenyan counterpart, Raychelle Omamo, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, in addition to the region's developments and means to solve regional crises and achieve security and stability.In a phone conversation held Wednesday, the two ministers affirmed their joint keenness to develop bilateral relations, which have witnessed over the past years a "new start" led by His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta.The duo discussed ways to build on the outcomes of the joint Jordanian-Kenyan committee held, which has held its second session this year remotely, headed by the Jordanian and Kenyan industry and trade ministers, with the aim of opening "new" horizons for economic and trade cooperation by starting consultations on a trade preferences agreement to increase level of trade exchange and remove obstacles impeding commercial movement, according to a ministry press statement.The ministers stressed solidarity in facing the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences, stressing the continued cooperation and coordination to combat extremism and terrorism.In this context, the ministers highlighted the importance of the "Aqaba Meetings" initiative, in which Kenya is actively participating in developing a holistic approach to combat terrorism.Lauding Kenya's stance in support of the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution, Safadi said there is "no alternative to the two-state solution based on international law and international legitimacy resolutions as the only way to resolve the conflict and achieve just and comprehensive peace."On joint future diplomacy, the duo agreed to hold the second round of political consultations between the Jordanian and Kenyan foreign ministries as soon as possible, aimed to maintain action to develop bilateral relations in all fields and coordinate stances on regional challenges, especially in light of Kenya's non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for 2021 -2022. AG31/03/2021 17:29:07 MENAFN31032021000117011021ID1101841435