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Foreign Minister Maas to visit Jordan
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas issued the following statement in Berlin today (4 April) prior to his departure for Amman:
In a region so ravaged by terrorism and violence, where numerous actors compete for power and influence, there is all the more need for those who reliably strive for constructive solutions. Jordan is one such partner and ally – a voice of reason in the Near and Middle East.
We are cooperating extremely closely within the Global Coalition against Daesh. Our talks will also focus on the Middle East conflict. We fully agree that only a negotiated two state solution can bring lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The violent confrontation which has flared up recently on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip gives us cause for overwhelming concern.
In Syria, peaceful protests and popular calls for freedom have been followed by over seven years of armed conflict and inconceivable suffering. Over half a million people have died, more than half of the Syrian population has been displaced, and an end to the humanitarian crisis is not in sight. Jordan has taken in hundreds of thousands in their plight – a massive achievement. We will remain a key donor and a true partner to Jordan.
Background information:
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on 4 5 April. He will hold talks with his counterpart Ayman Safadi and others, and will see humanitarian assistance and stabilisation projects for himself. A meeting with Bundeswehr soldiers participating in the Counter Daesh mission is also planned.