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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Ayman Safadi, Wednesday, held a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukri, during which they discussed bilateral ties, in addition to ongoing preparations to host an upcoming Arab Summit that will be held in Amman later in March.

The top diplomats also spoke about promoting joint Arab action, besides the latest developments in the region. "Jordan and Egypt are bound by historic ties stemming from deep-rooted bilateral cooperation over the years", Safadi said.

Speaking on regional issues, Safadi said :" We face common challenges, including terrorism; a challenge that is faced within a true partnership".

We are cooperating with Egypt to ward off terrorism and we do believe the triumph over terrorism requires security and military coordination, along with ideological effort to face the dark thought sought by terrorists, he said.

There are a plenty of crises besetting the region, however, there are cooperation opportunities to realize peace and economic stability sought by our people, added Safadi.

On the upcoming Arab summit, the minister said: "We spoke about preparations for the high-profile meeting", adding: "We are working to make the summit a milestone in dealing with various mutual issues".

On the Palestinian issue, the minister said "It is Jordan's top priority", and voiced the Kingdom's condemnation and rejection of any unilateral action that would undermine the two-state solution, change the status quo or threaten the Arab and Muslim identity of Jerusalem.

Responding to a question on the possibilities of Syria's participation in the summit meeting, he said:" Jordan is the host of the meeting and the issue of invitations comes from the Arab League's resolutions, to which we adhere".

"We are dealing with all diplomatic efforts on the Syrian issue as we support endeavors to end the ongoing crisis there", he added.

Speaking about a recent visit paid by HM King Abdullah to the U.S., the minister said it was crucial as it provided the opportunity to express Jordan's point of view to the new U.S administration towards various issues.

Jordan-U.S. relations are solid that they would allow for transparent and frank talk on issues of common concern, he said.

The Egyptian minister said it was his third visit to the Kingdom as a diplomat, adding: "We have a mutual vision towards different issues and we will move on with closer action with Jordan in preparation for the Arab Summit", said Shoukri.

He also reiterated the importance of the Palestinian cause to all Arab countries, especially Egypt and Jordan. He also noted counter-terror efforts and said there is a close cooperation at different levels, explaining that terrorism can only be eliminated through mobilized international efforts.

He also spoeke about the Egyptian-Saudi ties, saying they are deeply-rooted and promising and communication channels are open.

He said Egypt was keen to preserve ties with Saudi to achieve mutual goals and develop cooperation.

On Syria, he said: "We are about to start political negotiations that would equally gather all national opposition parties and would put an end to the military conflict there."