On October 20, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi conveyed a message from King Abdullah to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in a meeting in Damascus. Key topics included the Syrian crisis, voluntary return of refugees, and combating drug smuggling. Assad confirmed progress in refugee returns while the ministers called for increased cooperation and international intervention regarding regional conflicts.
On October 20, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus to convey a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah. The discussions focused on various bilateral topics, notably the Syrian crisis, issues surrounding the return of refugees, and the serious concern of drug smuggling from Syria into Jordan. The meeting emphasized the importance of voluntary and safe returns for Syrian refugees, which President Assad highlighted as a significant priority, asserting that his government has made considerable legislative and legal advancements in this area. Minister Safadi reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to ensuring Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while maintaining that regional cooperation is vital for resolving the refugee situation and addressing drug smuggling challenges. Both leaders called for increased collaboration through established mechanisms aimed at curbing the smuggling issue. Additionally, they discussed the urgent necessity for the international community to intervene to cease Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the ongoing aggressions faced by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Following the meeting, Minister Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh engaged in in-depth discussions concerning the refugee crisis and drug-related challenges.
The ongoing Syrian crisis has created significant humanitarian challenges, particularly concerning the influx of refugees into neighboring countries, including Jordan. The return of these refugees is a complex process influenced by the stability of the Syrian government and regional security dynamics. Drug smuggling has emerged as a prominent issue impacting Jordan’s security and public safety, prompting both the Jordanian and Syrian governments to prioritize strategies aimed at combating this threat. Recent geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving Israel and Palestine, further complicate this context, necessitating prompt international attention and action to mitigate escalations and humanitarian repercussions.
In summary, the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and President Bashar Al Assad addressed critical bilateral issues, primarily focusing on the Syrian crisis, refugee returns, and drug smuggling. The discussions underscored the importance of regional cooperation and international engagement to effectively tackle these challenges. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing relations between Jordan and Syria while advocating for the safety and legal return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, as well as addressing the broader implications of ongoing regional conflicts.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
