Al-Sharaa and Safadi reaffirm Syria-Jordan cooperation in Damascus

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
18 Apr 2025 00:45

Syrian President al-Sharaa met with Jordanian FM Ayman Safadi in Damascus to discuss boosting bilateral ties and coordination. Talks covered reconstruction, security, and regional challenges.

Listen

Transitional President of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, center, receives Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, left, at the People’s Palace, in Damascus, Syria, in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, right, on April 17, 2025. (X/@SyPresidency)

Syria’s transitional phase President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, who conveyed the greetings of King Abdullah II, on Thursday, in Damascus.

He also delivered an oral message from the Jordanian king reaffirming his commitment to strengthening relations between Syria and Jordan. The message emphasized Jordan’s continued support for Syria’s security, stability, and its ongoing reconstruction efforts.

Al-Sharaa, in return, conveyed his greetings to King Abdullah II and highlighted the deep ties between Syria and Jordan. He expressed his gratitude for Jordan’s support and reaffirmed Syria’s eagerness to develop further relations with Jordan in all sectors for the benefit of both nations.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry published details of the meeting between al-Sharaa and Safadi in Damascus, noting that the discussions reviewed the outcomes of the Amman Summit between King Abdullah II and President al-Sharaa, held on February 26, 2025. Both sides underscored the importance of ongoing coordination and enhancing cooperation across various fields, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to their highest potential.

It was agreed that a High Coordination Council would be established, encompassing areas such as energy, health, transport, and education, with its inaugural meeting planned for the coming weeks.

Jordan reaffirms support for Syria's stability and reconstruction

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the need for a Syrian-led process that ensures the unity, security, and stability of Syria. He also stressed Jordan's commitment to Syria’s security and their mutual cooperation in combating terrorism and drug smuggling. Additionally, he called for an end to Israeli aggression against Syria and the occupation of the Golan Heights.

Safadi’s meeting with al-Shibani: Enhancing cooperation across all sectors

Ayman Safadi also held extensive talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, following up on the outcomes of the February summit in Amman. The meeting, part of an ongoing process of communication and coordination, affirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation across all fields and establishing practical mechanisms to elevate bilateral relations to the highest levels.

Joint statement highlights shared regional vision

A joint statement was issued after the meeting, underscoring the longstanding historical ties between Syria and Jordan. Both ministers emphasized the importance of translating the directives of both leaderships into institutional action that serves the interests of both nations and the broader region.

The ministers agreed to form a High Coordination Council that will include a wide range of sectors such as energy, health, industry and trade, transport, agriculture, water, information and communications technology, education, and tourism. The Council’s first meeting will take place soon.

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s unwavering support for Syria’s reconstruction process, emphasizing that it must be Syrian-led, inclusive of all components of Syrian society, and based on principles that safeguard Syria’s unity, security, and sovereignty. He highlighted the need to eliminate terrorism and preserve the rights of all Syrians, especially after what he said were years of oppression, injustice, and destruction.

Syria and Jordan align on combating terrorism and smuggling

In response, al-Shibani affirmed that Syria’s stability is intrinsically linked to Jordan’s security. He expressed Syria’s rejection of any threats to Jordan’s security and its readiness to enhance security cooperation, including in the fight against ISIS, terrorism, and the smuggling of drugs and arms.

Safadi commended Syria’s efforts in combating drug smuggling, acknowledging the importance of these actions for regional security.

Regional security and reconstruction efforts

The two ministers also discussed the activation of outcomes from the Syria and Neighboring Countries Conference to Combat ISIS, which was hosted by Jordan on March 9, 2025. Both expressed satisfaction with the steady growth in trade between their nations, underlining the importance of further enhancing commercial relations.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s position on the ongoing Israeli aggression against Syria, describing it as a violation of international law and a breach of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He stressed that such actions only exacerbate tensions in the region and undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability.

Both ministers agreed to continue coordination and communication between relevant ministries and institutions in both countries, focusing on practical steps to enhance cooperation.