Hashim Mammadov a journalist from Eurasia Diary took an interview from the ambassador of Jordan to Azerbaijan Nassar Ibrahim al-Habashneh. We are presenting you the text of the interview.
Mr. Ambassador, firstly, what can you say about the history of relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the current state of these relations?
-In fact, the Jordan-Azerbaijan relations are considered an example of mutual relations and they are based on the solid friendship between King Abdullah bin al-Hussein and His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev. These relations between the two countries have an ancient history and after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan gained a new stage after its independence. Immediately following this important event, Jordan declared its official recognition of Azerbaijan's independence, followed by diplomatic relations and the opening of the embassy. Now we are witnesses of the solid relationships based on these relations. We have conducted numerous joint actions, we have signed agreements and protocols. Inter-Governmental Joint Economic Commission embraces many fields. The last meeting was held earlier this year. At this meeting, a number of important issues were discussed to strengthen mutual goodwill and focus on a more promising future. We consider ourselves happy because of our success. However, we are determined to achieve more success in all areas, especially in the field of economic cooperation.
Mr. Ambassador, Jordan is considered a reliable partner of the US and Western countries in this region. What can you say about the prospects of relations with the West in the current situation, especially in recent developments in neighboring Syria, heavy blows to terrorist organizations and growing Russia's influence?
It is known that Jordan has a specific connection with Western countries with its historical orientation and the choice of the country's leadership. It was the best choice for Jordan at a certain point. First of all, we have close relations with the United Kingdom and the United States, and we have many bilateral agreements with European countries and the European Union. In our economy, we have very important agreements with the United States. All this creates opportunities for the Jordanian government to build bridges of cooperation and to bridge the mutual understanding with the outside world. But these relations are not at the expense of relations with other countries. We have had very good relations with the Soviet Union, having previously had specific relations with the United States. Thus, there was a certain balance in our international relations. The late Majesty King Hussein has maintained such an important balance. In this respect, Jordan has protected the non-partisan state of neutrality and has never been hostile to anyone.
Now, King Abdullah follows the same policy, and this policy is based on the principle of mutual respect for the sovereignty of all countries, from Japan to China and Russia. Jordan also wants to cover African countries with its diplomatic ties. Undoubtedly, Jordan's relations with the South Caucasus and especially Azerbaijan are very intense and friendly relations.
Regarding Russia's presence or influence in Syria, Jordan welcomes its role in this regard, welcomes its efforts to restore peace and stability in Syria, to combat the region's terrorism and its destruction.
There are agreements between Russia and the United States in Syria covering certain areas, particularly southern regions. A tripartite agreement was also signed between Jordan, the United States and Russia in order to ensure the security of the brother Syrian people in border areas in the south of the country. As you know, Turkey and the United States have a great role in the northern regions of Suriya. We, in our turn, have maintained our stability through cooperation with these great states, which has provided a certain stabilization of the situation in Syria, and as a result, we have reached a better situation compared to the recent past.
King Abdullah II who has been able to establish a relationship with Russia, is in the interest of the entire region and the Syrian people. We respect Russia's role in this policy. Our Iranian brothers also play a role here. If we do not want the intervention of other states into the Syrian territory and don't want these lands are open to them, and if we confirm that the Syrian lands belong to the Syrians, then we also demand that they play a positive role in this matter and help us to restore peace. We always hope that our friends will play a role in ensuring peace and tranquility in our region.
As you know, the Middle East has suffered from wars for a long time. Wars always results in severe consequences. We are told that the fire in the neighborhood will definitely burn you, and if you do not flame, you will definitely be damaged. Jordan suffered such anxiety. Our country is stable, secure, and the state can protect its peace and tranquility. We have strong army, strong state institutions and wise leadership. It also gives us the opportunity to extend help to all the neighboring states.
The Palestinians are our brothers and sisters, when they came to Jordan, the local people opened their doors to them, shared everything they owned, some of them acquired citizenship, and others still had all the rights even if they had a refugee status. They are fully respected thanks to the Jordanian side's capabilities, and they have the opportunity to travel freely throughout the world. The same attitude applies to Iraqis and Syrians.
We have refugee brothers from Libya and Sudan, as well as from all countries of the Arab world. Jordan is a homeland for all of these people, especially with the help we provide to those in need, with the doors of our homes always open to them. We have shared everything with the Syrians recently, Jordan has been a gatekeeper for these people over the past six years, and they felt like they were here in their homeland.
I think so many of them will stay here forever. The number of Syrian refugees is more than 1 million 300 thousand people, with more than 500,000 Iraqi refugees. There are many Palestinians too. The total number of refugees in the country is 20% of the total population. This is a very large figure, even the largest western countries, could not accept so many refugees and would never accept a part of it. We, in our turn, accept these people, extend their help, open our doors to them, and do not limit their freedom of work and their freedom of movement. But Jordan has limited capacities in many areas, all of which have a negative impact on our economy, but thank God, we have strong government agencies and wise leadership.