On October 20, 2024, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus to convey a message from King Abdullah II, addressing the Syrian crisis, refugee repatriation, and drug smuggling concerns. Both leaders sought collaborative solutions, emphasizing the urgency of regional stability and safe return of refugees.
On October 20, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi of Jordan made an official visit to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. During this meeting, Mr. Safadi conveyed a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah II, which addressed several urgent bilateral concerns, including strategies to resolve the ongoing Syrian crisis, the plight of refugees, and the alarming issue of drug trafficking emanating from Syria into Jordan. The message underscored the importance of working towards a peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict, emphasizing the need for safe and voluntary repatriation of Syrian refugees. President Assad recognized the significance of this issue and reported on the “significant progress” made by his administration in creating conducive conditions for the refugees, particularly through enhancements in legal and legislative frameworks aimed at ensuring their safety upon return. In the ensuing discussions, both ministers raised concerns over a dangerous escalation of regional tensions and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as for cessation of hostilities against Palestinians in the West Bank. Mr. Safadi reiterated Jordan’s commitment to Syrian territorial integrity and national sovereignty, expressing that fostering an environment for the refugees’ safe return was essential not only for Jordan but for the entire region. Following their meeting, Mr. Safadi conferred with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, focusing on collaborative efforts to tackle the drug smuggling crisis. They acknowledged the importance of the Jordanian-Syrian joint committee, which had begun operation in July 2023 to address drug trafficking threats. Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing dialogues to support the refugees’ voluntary return while emphasizing the necessity for continued international support until such returns can be actualized. Finally, both ministers reiterated their commitment to resolving the Syrian crisis through the Arab Contact Group, aiming to implement the principles established in the Amman Statement issued on May 1, 2023, which seeks actionable progress in addressing these pressing issues.
The current diplomatic engagements between Jordan and Syria highlight the ongoing challenges stemming from the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 and has resulted in widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. Jordan hosts a substantial number of Syrian refugees, and its government is actively seeking solutions to facilitate their safe return. Moreover, the issue of drug trafficking, particularly from Syria into Jordan, poses a significant security threat that necessitates robust cooperative efforts. As regional tensions escalate, particularly related to Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, the dialogue between Jordan and Syria is increasingly crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and President Bashar Al Assad signifies a crucial step in addressing key bilateral issues involving the Syrian crisis, refugee returns, and the mutual threat of drug trafficking. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and seeking peaceful resolutions that align with regional stability and humanitarian considerations.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
