AMMAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday discussed the repercussions of the regional escalation and the situation in the Gaza Strip with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
The two ministers stressed the need to activate diplomacy and joint Arab action to prevent a wider conflict and address regional crises and challenges, according to a statement by Jordan's Foreign Ministry.
They condemned Iranian attacks on Jordan and Gulf Arab states, describing them as an "unjustified escalation" and a "flagrant violation of international law and state sovereignty."
Safadi said that Jordan will take all necessary steps to protect its security and stability, while Abdelatty expressed Egypt's full solidarity with the kingdom.
Both ministers stressed that attention to tensions with Iran must not overshadow the situation in Gaza, calling for implementing the Gaza peace plan and halting Israeli measures in the West Bank.
Regarding Lebanon, the ministers supported efforts to strengthen state institutions and ensure weapons remain under state control. They also condemned ongoing Israeli "aggression" against Lebanon and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
The diplomatic effort came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. ■
