AMMAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his visiting Australian counterpart Penny Wong stressed Tuesday the necessity of protecting civilians and ensuring the sustainable delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Meeting in Amman, the two sides looked into the critical developments of the Gaza conflict, its catastrophic repercussions, and the efforts to stop it and ease the people's suffering in the Palestinian enclave, according to a statement by Jordan's Foreign Ministry.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Safadi commended Australia's position in supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the two-state solution as the only way towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace.
He emphasized Jordan's consistent position that any future approach to resolving the Gaza crisis must be within a comprehensive framework that affirms the unity of the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
Safadi warned that failing to "end the Israeli aggression and fulfill the rights of the Palestinian people to security, freedom, and statehood will have serious repercussions not only on regional security but also on the credibility of the global system and the standing of many countries in the region, leading to a future inevitably marked by more conflicts, wars, violence, oppression, and deprivation."
For her part, Wong stated, "This is a sensitive and important time for the world and the region as the conflict continues and human suffering persists," hailing Jordan's role in the region as "an anchor for stability and peace."
She also vowed to assist in addressing the Gaza crisis, announcing that Australia will contribute 21 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian aid for the conflict-ridden area.
The top Australian diplomat meanwhile thanked Jordan for assisting in evacuating Australians from Gaza. ■
