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AMMAN — A high-ranking Jordanian delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, held talks in Damascus on Sunday with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani and other senior officials on ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
The two sides also reviewed progress achieved since the second session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council, held in Amman in April, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
The Jordanian delegation comprised Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud, Minister of Transport Nidal Qatamin, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah, and Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission Chief Commissioner Daifallah Farajat.
The Syrian side was represented by Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al Shaar, Minister of Energy Mohammad Al Bashir, Minister of Transport Yarob Badr, Chairman of the General Authority for Borders and Customs Qutaiba Badawi, and President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport Omar Hosari.
Talks focused on economic, transport, customs and water cooperation, with both sides stressing the importance of strengthening coordination and advancing bilateral relations, the statement said.
Safadi and Shaibani commended continued progress in bilateral relations and stressed the importance of further enhancing cooperation in line with the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah and Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa.
The two sides reviewed progress in implementing outcomes of the council’s second session, particularly in economic integration, transport, customs and water cooperation, stressing the need for continued coordination between relevant ministries and institutions to address challenges and advance joint work.
Discussions covered cooperation across air, land, maritime and rail transport, with both sides agreeing on measures to facilitate truck movement between and through the two countries to boost bilateral and transit trade.
In the water sector, the two sides reviewed outcomes of the third meeting of the Joint Water Committee held in Amman, and stressed the importance of implementing its recommendations and ensuring the equitable sharing of water resources.
They also hailed the launch of a joint operational water platform and a study on the development of the Yarmouk Basin.
During the visit, Jordan and Syria signed an air services agreement, signed by Farajat and Hosari.
Safadi and Shaibani also held expanded talks on bilateral relations and regional developments, including efforts to enhance security and stability.
The two ministers reviewed cooperation in strategic projects and sectors including institutional development, capacity-building, international cooperation, energy, health and investment, and agreed to hold the third session of the Higher Coordination Council in Damascus in October.
Safadi stressed Jordan’s support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, underlining the importance of preserving its unity, security, stability and territorial integrity.
Shaibani expressed appreciation for Jordan’s continued support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
The two top diplomats also discussed the implementation of a roadmap for resolving the crisis in Sweida and stabilising southern Syria, while rejecting any partition plans or attempts to undermine Syria’s unity.
They also condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and called for withdrawal to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement lines, warning that such actions threaten Syria’s stability and regional security.
Both sides reiterated the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing regional crises and agreed to maintain coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest.
