JORDAN'S ROLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Peacemaker, Mediator and Pillar of Stability

On the occasion of the official visit to Austria by H.E. Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Foreign Minister will address current developments in the Middle East, the prospects for peace, and the future of the region. Jordan has long played a central role in regional affairs and in efforts to foster stability and political dialogue. Amid the war in Gaza, rising tensions with Iran, and an increasingly volatile regional landscape, Jordan continues to pursue diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions and facilitating dialogue amongst all parties.
Given the fragility of recent ceasefires
and temporary “peace deals”, a more robust and comprehensive strategy for regional stabilisation – supported by key regional actors and reinforced by broader international engagement – has become increasingly necessary.
Jordan has also been a consistent advocate of multilateralism and an active partner in international organisations. Yet international law and the rules-based order are under significant strain, with multilateral institutions facing structural, financial and political pressures that limit their ability to resolve conflicts, uphold peace and support sustainable development.

In light of these challenges, H.E. Ayman Safadi will deliver a keynote speech, followed by a discussion with Gudrun Harrer on some of the following questions:

• How can sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East be achieved in the face of continuing geopolitical uncertainty?
• What forms of international cooperation will be needed to support these efforts?
• Is there a realistic prospect of establishing a comprehensive security architecture or forum – similar to the OSCE – tailored to the Middle East?
• What sort of roadmap would be required for such an initiative?
• What are Jordan’s expectations of Europe, and of Austria in particular, given Austria’s forthcoming membership of the UN Security Council in 2027–2028?
• In which areas can Jordan and Austria cooperate more effectively to reform and strengthen multilateral organisations?

H.E. Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Gudrun Harrer, Lecturer in Modern History and Politics of the Near and Middle East at the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; former Senior Editor at *Der Standard*.