House committee, Syria delegation reaffirm strong ties

AMMAN — Head of the Lower House's Foreign Affairs Committee Nidal Taani on Monday highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah's support in finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

During the committee's meeting with Syrian Chargé d’Affaires in Amman Shafiq Dayoub and an accompanying delegation, Taani highlighted the role of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army in preventing terrorist infiltration into the Kingdom, without interfering in the northern neighbour's affairs.

Talks also went over the importance of keeping the Jordanian-Syrian borders open, with Taani noting the strong link between the two nations and calling for the restoration of Jordanian-Syrian trade ties to the pre-crisis level, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Taani focused on activating the two countries' joint committees, mainly the economic one, as well as tackling outstanding issues including fees imposed on Jordanian trucks heading to Syria, and files related to water and the transport of goods.

He also touched on the issue of Jordanian detainees in Syria, emphasising the need to facilitate their return. 

The Syrian envoy expressed his country's keenness on developing mutual ties, expressing appreciation for the Kingdom's role in preventing extremists' infiltration into Damascus and shouldering the repercussions of hosting the Syrian refugees, which has put enormous pressure on the Kingdom’s resources, particularly water, energy and infrastructure.  

Dayoub said that Damascus has taken all necessary measures to welcome back its nationals who fled the country, adding that his country has introduced regulations for imports as a result of the crisis, excluding Jordan and Egypt from these conditions.

The diplomat extended an invitation to the Lower House and its Foreign Affairs Committee to visit Syria, adding that he looks forward to cooperating with Amman on Syria’s reconstruction.