Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi confirmed the kingdom’s commitment to collaborate with the new Syrian government to address drug and weapon smuggling issues. This came during a joint press conference with Syrian officials visiting Amman, where they discussed various mutual concerns and efforts to improve bilateral ties.
On Tuesday, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi affirmed the kingdom’s readiness to collaborate with the newly established Syrian government to combat the ongoing issues of drug and weapon smuggling along their shared border. During a joint news conference in Amman, Minister Safadi welcomed his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, and other senior officials visiting as part of a regional tour encompassing several Arab capitals including Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
In their discussions, Safadi highlighted the serious threats posed by drugs, weapons, and terrorism, specifically referencing the Islamic State, known by its Arabic acronym, Daesh. He stated, “We will work together to confront these shared challenges,” and noted the establishment of joint committees focusing on critical areas such as energy, health, trade, and water resources. Furthermore, he conveyed Jordan’s enduring support for Syria, emphasizing that its citizens deserve a liberated homeland after enduring prolonged adversities.
Minister Shaibani, accompanied by the Syrian Defence Minister and intelligence chief, expressed optimism regarding the development of warm relations between the two nations. He requested Jordan’s assistance in lifting international sanctions on Syria, sanctions that have remained since the administration of President Bashar al-Assad, who was recently removed from power by Islamist-led forces. Shaibani regarded a recent announcement by the US Treasury to ease certain sanctions for a six-month period as a significant advancement that could lead to the complete removal of sanctions and enable the reconstruction of Syria. He articulated, “Syria will become a source of security, stability, and cooperation with its neighbours and the countries of the region.”
Safadi has previously visited Damascus and engaged with Syria’s acting leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in late December. Jordan, one of the few Arab nations retaining its embassy in Damascus throughout the civil war since 2011, convened an international summit focusing on Syria shortly after Assad’s ousting. Notably, Jordan has intensified measures against illicit trafficking of arms and narcotics, including the stimulant captagon, along its extensive 375-kilometer border with Syria.
This article discusses the recent diplomatic engagement between Jordan and Syria following the change in leadership in Syria. With both countries sharing a long border, the focus is on enhancing security cooperation to address mutual concerns such as drug trafficking and terrorism. The visit by Syrian officials marks a potential shift in relations, encouraging Jordan to assist in alleviating international sanctions that have been imposed on Syria for several years.
In summary, Jordan is taking proactive steps to foster security cooperation with Syria in the wake of political changes. Through joint efforts aimed at addressing drug and weapon smuggling, both nations are positioning themselves to enhance stability in the region. As discussions progress on lifting international sanctions, the prospect of rebuilding Syria appears to gain momentum, suggesting a renewed focus on collaborative relations.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
