Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, met with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first senior Jordanian visit post-Assad’s ouster. Discussions centered on Syrian reconstruction, trade cooperation, and the return of refugees, with an emphasis on stability and voluntary repatriation.
On Monday, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syria’s newly appointed leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Amman to affirm Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts. This visit marked the first by a high-ranking Jordanian official since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The meeting, which included a handshake captured by the Jordanian foreign ministry, focused on various cooperation areas, including trade, border management, and electricity connections.
During the discussions, Safadi emphasized the need for a government that reflects all segments of Syrian society and endorsed the drafting of a new constitution. “We agree to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their state,” he remarked, highlighting that Arab countries are determined to assist Syria at this juncture without external interference. Jordan, which shares a border with Syria, hosted a summit earlier this month with diplomats from several nations advocating for an inclusive and peaceful political transition in the war-torn country.
Sharaa, representing the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has recently received numerous officials from various Middle Eastern nations. Jordan’s government spokesman, Mohamed Momani, reiterated the kingdom’s position in favor of a stable and unified Syria, which he noted is crucial for Jordan’s own border security. Recent reports indicate that some Syrian refugees have begun returning home, with over 7,000 having departed from Jordan since earlier this month. Nonetheless, Safadi assured continued support for those refugees, emphasizing that their return should be voluntary. Furthermore, Jordan has reinforced its border security to combat drug and weapon smuggling, specifically highlighting issues with captagon trafficking into the Gulf region.
The recent talks between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, occur in the context of Jordan’s longstanding relationship with Syria and the geopolitical dynamics following the civil war. Jordan shares a direct border of 375 kilometers with Syria and has been significantly affected by the influx of Syrian refugees since the war began in 2011. The Jordanian government has emphasized the importance of stability in Syria for its national security and has been facilitating discussions aimed at the safe and sustainable return of refugees, as well as regional cooperation on economic and security matters. The meeting also reflects broader Arab sentiments towards supporting Syria’s reconstruction in a manner that includes various factions within the country without external interventions.
In conclusion, the discussions held between Ayman Safadi and Ahmed al-Sharaa underscore Jordan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s political stability and reconstruction. This engagement is particularly significant given the historical context of Jordan’s relationship with Syria and the ongoing refugee crisis. Jordan’s efforts to promote an inclusive government in Syria and facilitate cooperation in multiple sectors highlight its strategic priorities amid a backdrop of regional challenges. The emphasis on voluntary returns of Syrian refugees also reflects Jordan’s humanitarian approach amid increasing border security measures.
Original Source: www.france24.com
