Amman, April 12 (Petra) – The second session of the Higher Coordination Council between Jordan and Syria was held in Amman on Sunday at the ministerial level, during which the following joint statement was issued: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosted the session in Amman on April 12, 2026. It was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Shaibani, with the participation of 30 ministers from both countries.

The Council had the honour of meeting His Majesty King Abdullah II, in the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II. The Syrian foreign minister conveyed the greetings of President Ahmed Sharaa, which His Majesty reciprocated.

The Council affirmed both countries' commitment to maintaining coordination and consultation and to advancing bilateral cooperation toward a comprehensive strategic partnership in line with the directives of the leadership of both nations.

The Council reviewed progress since its first session, held on May 20, 2015, in Damascus, including reciprocal visits and expanded sectoral cooperation, particularly in strategic areas serving mutual interests. It expressed satisfaction with the continued development of bilateral relations.

During the session, discussions covered cooperation across multiple sectors, including foreign affairs, energy, water, transport, industry, trade, customs, agriculture, health, investment, media, tourism, education, justice and technology.

The Council reviewed the outcomes of preparatory meetings held on April 11, 2026, welcoming agreements reached to enhance cooperation.

The Council commended the growing coordination between the two countries' foreign ministries and agreed to hold a week of diplomatic engagement, including meetings, dialogues and workshops to exchange expertise and strengthen coordination between diplomatic missions.

It agreed to institutionalise cooperation through a joint working group tasked with identifying strategic projects, including telecommunications interconnection, food and water security, railway connectivity, energy cooperation, development of the Jaber-Nassib border crossing, transit infrastructure, air transport and industrial integration.

In the economic sphere, the Council affirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment cooperation to achieve greater economic integration. It welcomed a new trade exchange mechanism, effective May 1, 2026, based on reciprocity, including equal customs duties, as well as the resumption of transit trade.

It emphasised activating mechanisms for mutual use of seaports.

The Council agreed to establish a joint mechanism to engage international and regional donors to support institutional development, enhance Syrian public sector capacity and finance priority projects.

Both sides agreed to continue cooperation in capacity building and expand training programmes across various sectors.

In transport, the Council reaffirmed cooperation across all modes air, land, sea and rail and discussed measures to facilitate transport operations and eventually restore direct transport.

It welcomed the outcomes of the Jordanian-Syrian-Turkish transport ministers’ meeting held on April 7, 2016 and stressed the importance of implementing its agreements.

The Council agreed to implement a comprehensive development plan for the Jaber/Nassib border crossing to bring it up to international standards.

In the water sector, the Council welcomed the reactivation of the Joint Water Committee and stressed the importance of equitable water distribution, continued coordination and development of the Yarmouk Basin, including joint projects such as cloud seeding.

In energy, the Council welcomed the natural gas agreement signed on January 26, 2026, and agreed on mechanisms to resume gas supplies to Syria. It reviewed electricity interconnection and cooperation in the digital economy, including trilateral initiatives.

The session resulted in the signing of nine memoranda of understanding and one agreement covering media, social development, labour, health, higher education, tourism, postal services and justice.

Additional agreements in sectors such as education, agriculture, investment and transport are under preparation.

The Jordanian side commended steps taken by the Syrian government toward rebuilding a stable and secure state, while the Syrian side expressed appreciation for Jordan's continued support.

The Council condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory as violations of international law and called for immediate withdrawal in line with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

It stressed the importance of implementing the roadmap for stabilising southern Syria and reaffirmed rejection of any partition efforts.

Regional developments were discussed, with emphasis on reducing tensions and addressing shared challenges. The Council warned against escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution.

The Council underscored the importance of the Hashemite custodianship of holy sites in occupied Jerusalem and reaffirmed the legal and historical status quo, including the exclusive Muslim status of Al Aqsa Mosque and the authority of the Jerusalem Waqf.

It condemned Israeli violations in Lebanon, expressed support for Lebanese sovereignty and welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, emphasising the need for sustained de-escalation.

The Council reaffirmed both countries' solidarity in addressing shared challenges, supporting Arab national security and strengthening joint Arab action.

The Council agreed to hold its next session in Damascus at a later date.

//Petra// AK