Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to express Jordan’s support for Syria’s reconstruction and discuss cooperative measures in trade, border management, and security. This visit marks a significant diplomatic initiative following the civil war and aligns with Jordan’s interests in regional stability and refugee management.
On Monday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi engaged in discussions with Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a visit that marked the first official trip by a senior Jordanian official since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. During this meeting, Safadi emphasized Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts and fostering collaboration in various sectors, including trade, border management, humanitarian aid, and electricity connections. He reiterated the importance of a government that encompasses all segments of Syrian society and advocated for the drafting of a new constitution, highlighting the Arab nations’ consensus to assist Syria without foreign interference.
Safadi’s visit follows a recent summit in Jordan where high-ranking officials from Arab nations, Turkey, the EU, and the US convened to promote a peaceful transition in Syria after the prolonged civil conflict. Jordan routinely expresses its desire for the restoration of security and stability in Syria, recognizing that such stability significantly impacts Jordan’s own security, particularly along their shared border.
Additionally, some Syrian refugees who fled the conflict have begun returning home, with reports indicating that over 7,000 have made the journey back out of the approximately 1.3 million refugees in Jordan. Safadi affirmed that Jordan remains committed to supporting Syrian refugees, insisting that their return should be voluntary and highlighting the ongoing challenges with increased border control measures aimed at curbing drug and weapon smuggling from Syria.
The relationship between Jordan and Syria continues to evolve as both nations seek to stabilize the region, reflecting Jordan’s strategic interests in having a secure neighbor.
The recent diplomatic engagement between Jordan and Syria comes against the backdrop of a transformative period for the latter, particularly in light of the ongoing ramifications stemming from its civil war. Since the conflict initiated in 2011, Syria has undergone significant power shifts, culminating in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Jordan, sharing a border with Syria, has vested interests in ensuring regional stability, both for humanitarian reasons and to mitigate threats associated with the conflict. The increase in Syrian refugees in Jordan has also raised concerns regarding the country’s capacity to provide necessary support, underlining the complex relationship between refugee management and geopolitical stability.
The discussions between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa signify a pivotal step towards enhancing cooperation between the two nations amidst the backdrop of a war-torn Syria. With a focus on reconstruction, inclusive governance, and stability, Jordan aims to support the Syrian people’s rebuilding efforts while also addressing its own security concerns. The return of Syrian refugees further illustrates the evolving dynamics of the region, as both nations navigate post-conflict realities.
Original Source: www.france24.com
