Amman, April 12 (Petra) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi and Syria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani on Sunday co-chaired the second session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council at the ministerial level, during which 10 memorandums of understanding and a cooperation agreement were signed.

The meeting brought together 30 ministers and senior officials representing more than 20 sectors from both countries.

Safadi and Al-Shaibani reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing them into a comprehensive strategic partnership, in line with directives from the leaderships of both countries.

The council reviewed progress made since its first session held in Damascus in May 2025 and discussed cooperation across a wide range of vital sectors.

A joint statement issued after the two-day session detailed areas of current and potential cooperation, as well as the agreements made. It also outlined mechanisms to implement these agreements across various sectors, including foreign affairs, energy, water, transportation, industry, trade, customs, agriculture, health, investment, media, international cooperation, tourism, information technology, justice, education, higher education, scientific research, religious affairs, social development, labor, public sector reform, and youth.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Safadi and Al-Shaibani held bilateral talks to explore ways to deepen cooperation and build on longstanding fraternal ties, as well as to discuss regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

At a joint press conference following the session, Safadi described the day as a "historic and significant" moment reflecting the political will of His Majesty King Abdullah and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. He said the two countries are building on deep-rooted ties to establish an integrated strategic relationship that strengthens shared interests and mutual trust.

Safadi said 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding signed on Sunday cover multiple sectors, adding that work will now focus on translating these into tangible projects that serve shared interests and add value to regional and international relations.

"We want to work on viable projects that serve our mutual interests," Safadi said, highlighting opportunities in rail, road, electricity and technological connectivity. "Jordan is a gateway linking Syria, Turkey and Europe to the Gulf, and likewise a gateway from the Gulf through Syria and Türkiye to Europe." He reaffirmed Jordan’s full support for Syria in rebuilding a secure, stable and sovereign state across its entire territory. "Syria is at a historic moment, and this moment will translate into a historic achievement," he said, adding that Jordan stands by Syria at every step of reconstruction.

Safadi also reiterated Jordan’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and attempts to destabilize Syria’s internal security, stressing that southern Syria’s security is an extension of Jordan’s own. He said the two countries have coordinated efforts from the outset and developed a roadmap to stabilize southern regions, including Sweida.

On Lebanon, Safadi warned that the ongoing deterioration poses a threat to regional stability, calling for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. He stressed the need to support the Lebanese government in asserting control over all its territory and ensuring that decisions of war and peace remain solely in state hands.

He welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that diplomacy would continue as the path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting regional security and stability.

Safadi said any ceasefire should lead to a comprehensive agreement that guarantees regional stability, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, adherence to international law, and freedom of navigation. He reaffirmed Jordan and Syria’s support for Arab countries affected by Iranian attacks on their territory, citizens and sovereignty.

On the Palestinian issue, Safadi stressed that it remains the central cause, calling on Israel to halt all illegal measures that undermine prospects for a two-state solution, including land annexation, settlement expansion and violations of the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship.

For his part, Al-Shaibani said the meeting reflects a shared understanding that ties between the two countries go beyond geographic proximity to deep historical and social connections, underscoring unity in security and destiny.

He said Jordan had been among the first to open its doors to "the new Syria" following the political transition of December 8, 2024, describing the move as deeply appreciated.

"Today we see Jordan as a strategic partner. Syria’s stability strengthens Jordan, and Jordan’s prosperity supports Syria," he said, adding that both sides aim to move beyond temporary political understandings toward institutionalized cooperation.

Al-Shaibani said the Higher Coordination Council has emerged as a key institutional mechanism to organize cooperation across all sectors, with Sunday’s meeting marking a clear step in consolidating bilateral ties.

//Petra// AF