Ammon News -

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, on Friday, stressed need to address the large economic gap between the two shores of the Mediterranean and the deep trade deficit in favor of the north.

Safadi added that such trade deficit has not yet achieved the required level of economic integration, as well as the large gap in living standards, scientific achievement, health care, digital transformation and other vital areas.

Safadi made his remarks, in Barcelona, as he along with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, co-chaired the 5th edition of the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona.

Participating at the preliminary session of the forum were Spain's King Felipe VI, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Arancha Gonzalez Laya, and Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Nasser Kamal.

Addressing the forum, Safadi stressed the importance of the Barcelona Process within a holistic vision, noting the need for cementing a series of principles including development, stability, and prosperity.

Jordan will remain as a force for the just peace, and will work with all for the sake of the people's rights in the Middle East region, under the direct guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah, the custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, Safadi stressed.

He renewed Jordan's commitment to protecting Jerusalem holy sites, and the status quo in the holy city.