Damascus, April 17 (Petra) - - Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara met on Thursday with Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, Ayman Safadi, who delivered a message from His Majesty King Abdullah II reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Syria and supporting its stability, security, and reconstruction.

President Al-Shara expressed appreciation for the King’s message, underscoring the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries and Syria’s interest in expanding cooperation with Jordan across all sectors to benefit both nations.

Safadi also held extensive talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani, building on the outcomes of the February 26 summit between King Abdullah II and President Al-Shara in Amman.

The two ministers stressed the importance of sustained coordination and agreed to implement practical steps to deepen cooperation across a wide range of fields.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the ministers highlighted the strength of the longstanding ties between Jordan and Syria and emphasized the importance of translating the shared vision of both countries’ leaderships into institutional frameworks that deliver tangible benefits to their peoples and the broader region.

As part of that effort, the ministers announced the formation of a High Coordination Council that will include representatives from key sectors such as energy, health, trade, transport, agriculture, water, ICT, education, and tourism. The council is expected to convene its first session in the coming weeks.

Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering support for Syria’s reconstruction through a Syrian-led political process that includes all segments of society and ensures the country’s unity, sovereignty, and long-term stability.

He also emphasized the importance of eradicating terrorism and upholding the rights of all Syrians after years of conflict and hardship.

Al-Shibani, for his part, noted the close link between stability in Syria and Jordan, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to safeguarding Jordan’s security and enhancing cooperation on border and security issues, including joint efforts to combat terrorism particularly the threat posed by Daesh as well as drug and arms smuggling.

Safadi welcomed the Syrian government’s actions to curb drug trafficking and reiterated Jordan’s support for ongoing efforts in that regard.

The ministers also reviewed progress made since the Conference on Syria and Neighboring Countries in the Fight Against Daesh, which Jordan hosted on March 9, 2025.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady growth in bilateral trade and agreed to continue working to expand economic cooperation.

Safadi also condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Syrian territory and the continued occupation of parts of the country, calling them a clear violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. He warned that such actions risk further escalating tensions across the region.

The ministers concluded by agreeing to maintain close coordination and accelerate communication between relevant ministries and institutions in the coming period to advance joint initiatives and deepen bilateral collaboration.

//Petra// AA

17/04/2025 20:16:37