Country is sole Middle Eastern member of Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament NEW YORK: Jordan is working for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction through partnerships with the international community, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has said. Safadi added that the country will promote global security by implementing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Jordan News Agency reported. The minister made the remarks on Tuesday in New York City while attending a Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament meeting and NPT conference. He said that Jordan, the only Middle Eastern country in the Stockholm initiative, joined the group because of its support for the NPT and its commitment to ensuring that all states ratify the treaty. During the meeting, hosted by Sweden and Germany, Safadi stressed the importance of approaching the Middle East nuclear issue from a broader perspective in order to rid the region of WMDs. He highlighted the need to resolve regional crises in order to avoid nuclear arms races. Separately, Safadi met with Swiss Confederation President Ignazio Cassis to discuss ways to strengthen relations, the latest developments in the regional and international arenas, and mutual interests. Safadi outlined King Abdullah II’s efforts to achieve regional security and stability, as well as a political horizon for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in Palestine based on the two-state solution. Cassis stressed the value of Jordanian relations, pledging to strengthen ties. He praised the kingdom’s critical role in overcoming regional challenges and achieving regional security under King Abdullah II’s leadership. Safadi also met with New Zealand Minister of Disarmament and Arms Control Phil Twyford on the sidelines of the NPT 10th Review Conference to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation, as well as several regional and international issues of mutual interest. As part of the “Christchurch Call” and “Aqaba Meetings” initiatives, the two ministers highlighted the importance of working together to combat terrorism and extremism. The meeting also discussed the challenges confronting the non-proliferation regime and emphasized the importance of achieving a universal NPT. Safadi also attended a high-level meeting in collaboration with UN Women on the development of women’s roles in promoting international security. The meeting was led by former Jordanian UN delegate Sima Bahouth. In a speech, Safadi emphasized the importance of empowering women in global security institutions. He stressed Jordan’s commitment to women’s empowerment in civil life and said that the country was updating legislative procedures to increase women’s political participation.