Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi engaged with Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to express support for Syria’s reconstruction. This visit marked the first high-level Jordanian meeting since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing cooperation on various fronts including security and trade. The dialogue underlined Jordan’s commitment to the Syrian people’s government representation and voluntary refugee returns amidst a backdrop of heightened border control measures.
On Monday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, signaling Jordan’s endorsement for Syria’s reconstruction efforts. This visit marked the first official trip by a high-ranking Jordanian representative since the downfall of Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, images released by the Jordanian foreign ministry depicted Safadi and Sharaa engaged in a cordial handshake.
Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade, border management, humanitarian aid, electricity connectivity, and security. Safadi articulated support for a Syrian government representative of diverse societal sectors, as well as for a new constitution. He stated, “We agree to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their state,” emphasizing a unified Arab approach to assist Syria without external involvement.
Jordan, sharing a southern border with Syria, previously hosted a summit where international diplomats advocated for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria post-civil war. Under Sharaa’s leadership, his group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has recently welcomed a series of delegations from across the Middle East and beyond.
In further remarks, government spokesman Mohamed Momani reinforced Jordan’s alignment with the Syrian people’s aspirations, praising the historical and political ties between both nations. He underscored the significance of restoring security and stability in Syria for Jordan’s national interests, ensuring safer borders while allowing some Syrian refugees to contemplate returning home. As per Jordanian ministry reports, over 7,000 of the approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees in Jordan have begun their return since the war’s escalation in 2011.
Safadi reiterated Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syrian refugees, inviting voluntary repatriation while noting recent heightened border controls to combat drug and weapon smuggling—particularly targeting the captagon trade prevalent in the Gulf region.
Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011, Jordan has firmly maintained its diplomatic relations with its northern neighbor. With significant security implications for Jordan, stemming from proxy violence and the influx of over a million refugees, Jordanian officials have positioned themselves as advocates for a stable and unified Syria. The recent transition in Syria’s leadership has prompted renewed dialogue about reconstruction and government inclusivity, which is pertinent to both regional stability and Jordan’s border security.
In conclusion, the recent talks between Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa underscore Jordan’s strategic commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction. This development not only reflects Jordan’s vested interest in ensuring security along its borders but also illustrates a broader regional effort towards stability in Syria. As discussions of cooperation and inclusion continue, the emphasis on voluntary refugee repatriation highlights the complexities surrounding the situation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
