King meets Syria president, reiterates Jordan’s support for rebuilding Syria

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah II met with Syria President Ahmed Al Sharaa at Basman Palace on Wednesday and affirmed Jordan’s support for Syrians as they rebuild their country in a way that includes all components of the Syrian society and guarantees Syria’s unity, security, and stability.

During the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, discussions covered the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and keenness to expand cooperation in the fields of trade, energy and water, as well as to enhance coordination on issues of mutual concern such as strengthening Arab unity, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty commended the outcome of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, describing it as an important step towards rebuilding Syria and fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The King affirmed the need for close coordination between the two countries in facing various challenges related to border security and curbing arms and drug smuggling, and stressed the importance of Syria’s return to its active role in the region, the statement said. 

At the meeting, attended by HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, His Majesty highlighted the need to create conditions conducive to the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees to their country.

The King also condemned Israel’s encroachment on Syrian territory, and reiterated Jordan’s support for Syrian sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

For his part, President Al Sharaa expressed appreciation of Jordan and His Majesty’s stance in support of efforts to rebuild Syria.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani, and a number of Syrian officials attended the meeting.

The King and the Crown Prince bid farewell to President Al Sharaa at Marka Airport at the conclusion of his visit to Jordan.