Jordanian foreign minister says ‘root causes of conflict’ must be addressed for regional stability

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday said that achieving lasting stability in the Middle East requires addressing the “root causes of conflict,” and warned that the region “cannot remain hostage to uncertainties,” Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a panel, titled A Middle East Beyond Zero-Sum Politics, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Safadi said: “I think basically key to whatever we do going forward is ensuring that we address the root causes of conflict in a collective manner that will ensure the better future that we all want.”

Safadi said regional countries do not seek confrontation with Iran “but in order for that to happen, causes for tension must be addressed,” citing issues such as “interventionism,” “meddling in internal affairs,” and “violation of sovereignty.”

He added that relations should be based on “mutual respect” and compliance with international law.

“We and the Gulf and the rest of the Arab world and Egypt, of course, and even with the larger region, with Turkiye, we all have been working towards ensuring peace and stability.”

READ: Red Cross vice president says respect for laws of war key to lasting peace

Safadi also said Jordan and Gulf countries have been “at the receiving end of attacks.”

He stressed that instability continues to undermine development efforts, noting that “one month of instability can undo years of work,” particularly in regional projects related to energy, water and infrastructure.

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Safadi reiterated that “unless we’re able to find this just and lasting peace … we will not be able to move towards that stable future,” he said.

“In the midst of the war with Iran, Gaza has been forgotten. Israeli unilateral illegal measures that are undermining all prospects for peace in the West Bank are continuing.”

Safadi called for stronger regional and international cooperation, stressing the importance of applying international law equally.

“We need to make sure that international law applies equally to all,” he said.

READ: Middle East solutions must be led by region, says EU representative for Gulf