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

On the occasion of the official visit to Austria of 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 develop- ments 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 re- gional landscape, Jordan continues to pursue diplomatic initiatives and medi- ation efforts aimed at reducing ten- sions and facilitating dialogue among all parties.
Given the fragility of recent ceasefires
and temporary “peace deals,” a more robust and comprehensive strategy for regional stabilization - 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 organizations. Yet the international law and rules-based order are under significant strain, with mul- tilateral institutions facing structural, financial, and political pressures that limit their ability to re- solve conflicts, uphold peace, and support sustainable development.

In light of these challenges, H.E. Ayman Safadi, will give a key note 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 under conditions of continuing geopolitical uncertainty?
• What forms of international cooperation will be required to support these efforts?
• Is there a realistic prospect for establishing a comprehensive security architecture or forum—similar to the OSCE—tailored to the Middle East?
• What kind of roadmap would be required for such an initiative?
• What are Jordan’s expectations from Europe, and from Austria in particular, given Austria’s upcoming membership in the UN Security Council in 2027–2028?
• Where can Jordan and Austria cooperate more effectively in reforming and strengthening multilateral organizations?

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 Univer- sity of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; former Senior Editor at Der Standard.