Damascus, June 14 (Petra) – Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi and Jordanian ministers and officials held an expanded meeting in Damascus with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Shaibani and senior ministers and officials.

The meeting aimed to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the second session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council, held in Amman on April 12 and to advance cooperation in the areas of economic integration, transport, customs and water.

During the meeting, Safadi and Shaibani expressed satisfaction with the continued development and steady growth of Jordanian-Syrian relations across various sectors, in line with the visions and directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining and expanding sectoral coordination and cooperation to serve the mutual interests of the two countries and reflect the deep-rooted ties between their peoples.

The meeting provided an opportunity for ministers and officials from both sides to review the practical steps taken by relevant ministries and institutions, as well as ongoing initiatives stemming from the outcomes of the second session of the Higher Coordination Council in the fields of economic integration, transport, customs and water.

In economic integration, transport and customs, both sides stressed the importance of continued constructive engagement between the relevant ministries and institutions to achieve the desired level of economic integration and address any challenges that may arise during implementation.

The Syrian side expressed appreciation for Jordan's decision to reopen imports from Syria and for the implementation of the new trade exchange mechanism that entered into force on May 1, in accordance with the agreements reached during the Council's second session.

The two sides reviewed cooperation across all modes of transport air, land, sea and rail and discussed progress achieved. They examined measures aimed at facilitating the movement of trucks entering or transiting through the territories of both countries and agreed on practical steps to enhance bilateral and transit trade.

In the water sector, the two sides reviewed the outcomes of the Joint Water Committee, which held its third meeting in Amman following the second session of the Higher Coordination Council.

They stressed the importance of implementing the committee's recommendations and ensuring the equitable sharing of water resources between the two countries.

Both sides welcomed the launch and activation of the joint Jordanian-Syrian operational water platform and the commencement of a study aimed at developing and improving the Yarmouk Basin.

During the visit, the two countries signed an air services agreement. The agreement was signed on behalf of Jordan by Daifallah Fayez, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), and on behalf of Syria by Omar Husari, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.

Safadi held extensive talks with Shaibani, focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, regional developments and efforts to promote security and stability in the region.

Safadi and Shaibani discussed mechanisms for enhancing coordination and consultation between their respective foreign ministries, developments in various sectors and progress achieved since the second session of the Higher Coordination Council.

Discussions covered cooperation on joint strategic projects, institutional development, capacity building, training, international cooperation, energy, health, investment and other areas of mutual interest.

The top diplomats agreed to hold the third session of the Higher Coordination Council in Damascus in October 2026.

Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for the Syrian government's efforts to rebuild and recover Syria based on principles that safeguard the country's unity, security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while preserving the rights of its people.

Shaibani, in turn, expressed appreciation for Jordan's continued support for Syria and its efforts to help build a secure, stable and prosperous future for the country.

The two ministers called for implementing the roadmap aimed at ending the crisis in Suwayda and stabilising southern Syria, which was announced by Jordan, Syria and the United States and subsequently welcomed and endorsed by numerous countries as well as regional and international organisations.

They reaffirmed their countries' rejection of any partition or separatist projects.

Both sides called for halting repeated Israeli attacks and interventions on Syrian territory, describing them as a "flagrant violation" of international law and an infringement on Syria's sovereignty that undermines its security, stability and the safety of its citizens.

They warned that the Israeli violations in Syria threaten regional peace and stability and constitute a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel.

The two sides called for Israel's immediate withdrawal to the lines specified in the agreement, stressing that continued attacks hinder Syria's recovery efforts and jeopardise regional security.

The ministers discussed regional developments and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions across the region.

They underscored the importance of intensifying diplomatic engagement and dialogue to resolve crises and achieve lasting solutions based on respect for international law, the principles of good neighborliness and the foundations of sustainable peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to continue joint efforts, build on the progress achieved in various areas of cooperation and maintain close coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of common concern.

//Petra// AK