Damascus, Nov. 9 (Petra) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs Ayman Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said on Monday that relations between Jordan and Syria were at their strongest, reaffirming the two countries' commitment to strengthening their historic ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Speaking at a joint press conference following the conclusion of the third session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council in Damascus, the ministers highlighted the institutional cooperation between the two countries, which has so far resulted in the signing of 22 agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), executive programs, and protocols across various fields over the council's three sessions.

Safadi said Jordan and Syria were continuing to build an integrated relationship that would give practical expression to the depth of the historic brotherly ties between the two countries.

"I was honored to be the first Arab foreign minister to visit Syria after the victory of the revolution, following the end of the injustice inflicted on the Syrian people, and as Syria embarked on a path towards a future that we will work with you to make safe and stable, one that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people and their right to live in freedom, dignity, and security," Safadi said.

He recalled that he had visited Syria at the direction of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who had asked him to convey to the Syrian leadership that Jordan, as always, would remain alongside Syria, supporting it in confronting challenges and doing everything possible to help rebuild a free, secure, and stable Syrian state.

Safadi said the third session of the Higher Coordination Council, attended by ministers from both countries, was a clear and tangible indication of the progress achieved towards establishing an integrated relationship between Jordan and Syria.

The meeting saw the signing of 11 agreements covering various areas of cooperation, he added.

"During your visit to Amman, when we had the honor of welcoming you, I said that it was an exceptional Jordanian-Syrian day. Today, thank God, is another blessed and exceptional Jordanian-Syrian day, on which we will build towards a future of even greater cooperation," Safadi said.

He stressed that Syria's security was Jordan's security and Syria's stability was Jordan's stability, adding that fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people was also in Jordan's interest.

"Syria's success is not a success for Jordan alone; it is a success for our entire region," he said, describing Syria as a cornerstone of regional stability and reaffirming Jordan's readiness to provide every possible form of support to help achieve security and stability in the country.

Safadi also underscored the depth of cooperation between the two countries in securing their shared border and combating terrorism and drug smuggling.

He condemned Israeli attacks on Syria, saying Jordan stood alongside Syria in confronting them and calling for Israel to withdraw from all Syrian territory it had occupied since Dec. 8, 2024, respect Syria's sovereignty, and cease actions that undermine its security, particularly in the south.

Safadi recalled King Abdullah's address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, in which he warned that the international community must focus on the danger posed by Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty and actions undermining the country's security.

Such actions, the king said, not only constitute aggression against a brotherly country but also threaten the security and stability of the entire region, Safadi added.

He described discussions on bilateral relations as those of brothers, reflecting the bonds of fraternity and friendship between the two countries and their shared determination to work together for the benefit of their peoples.

Turning to regional developments, Safadi said he and al-Shaibani had discussed the situation in the region, reaffirming Jordan's condemnation of Israel's unlawful measures in the occupied West Bank, which entrench the occupation and deny the Palestinian people their right to freedom and a dignified, secure life.

He also condemned measures that obstruct efforts to meet humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip.

Safadi reiterated Jordan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting Houthi attacks, saying the kingdom supported all measures Riyadh takes to protect its security, stability, sovereignty, and citizens.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved so far, but that does not mean we should stop here. Our ambitions are great and the prospects are broad. Together, God willing, we will continue this positive journey, deepening and institutionalizing cooperation in ways that benefit both countries and reflect the bonds of love and brotherhood between the Jordanian and Syrian peoples," he said.

Responding to a question, Safadi renewed Jordan's condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syria, stressing that the international community supported Syria's security and stability because these were essential not only to the region but also to the wider world.

He said Israel was the only country seeking to undermine that security and stability, driven by expansionist ambitions aimed at preventing the region from enjoying peace and stability.

Commenting on the incident in Daraa, Safadi expressed regret over the deaths of innocent civilians and offered condolences on behalf of Jordan to Syria and the families of the victims.

"The blood of Syrians is as precious to us as the blood of Jordanians, and the life of a Syrian is as valuable to us as that of a Jordanian," he said.

Safadi noted that, as al-Shaibani had explained, the two countries had addressed the matter institutionally through a joint security committee, which had met and agreed on working mechanisms to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism.

"Let us speak frankly: terrorism exists in Syria, in Jordan, and everywhere. Combating terrorism is a shared responsibility, and I can say with confidence that Jordanian-Syrian cooperation in fighting terrorism and other threats is at its strongest," he said.

Safadi also praised the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, recalling images of Jordanian soldiers welcoming Syrian women and children as they crossed the border to escape the repression of the former regime and bombardment.

"This is the army that represents Jordan, and these are the sentiments of the Jordanian people and government towards the brotherly Syrian people. We are brothers, and we are committed to Syria and to the Syrian people," he said.

He reiterated Jordan's deepest condolences to the families of the innocent civilians killed in the incident, stressing that Jordan would always stand alongside Syria and remain committed to its security.

Safadi said Jordan was a country with an established history and consistent positions, adding that the measures discussed would also ensure redress for those affected and that everyone entitled to compensation would receive their rights.

He stressed that the bonds between the two countries and their peoples were stronger than any test or challenge.

"With the trust, affection, and close ties that unite us, we are capable of overcoming all challenges and anything we may face now or in the future," he said.

Safadi added that the two countries shared strong bonds of goodwill and affection and would continue working confidently and effectively to build a Jordanian-Syrian relationship that could serve as a model for relations between neighboring countries and brotherly peoples.

For his part, al-Shaibani said the two countries shared a common history and destiny along the banks of the Yarmouk River.

"When the Syrians turned the page on the dark era of tyranny, Jordan was among the first to extend a hand of brotherhood. My brother Ayman was the first Arab foreign minister to knock on Damascus's door after liberation, on Dec. 23, 2024," he said.

This was followed by a visit to Amman by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, where Jordan hosted the first meeting of Syria's neighboring countries, he added.

Al-Shaibani said figures reflected the strength of bilateral relations, describing Jordan as Syria's leading partner in terms of actual economic returns, surpassing other countries that may be larger in size.

Jordan also leads in institutional cooperation, he said, noting that the Higher Coordination Council was the first such body established by the new Syria with a brotherly country and represented the highest-level permanent bilateral mechanism in place.

He added that Jordan ranked first among Syria's Arab neighbors in the intensity of bilateral engagement, with 20 of Syria's 22 ministries involved in direct cooperation with their Jordanian counterparts.

The two countries had signed 35 agreements and MoUs, in addition to the documents concluded at Monday's meeting, he said.

As a result, bilateral trade had nearly tripled in one year to reach $330 million, with strong indications that it would continue growing this year.

Al-Shaibani also said gas had been flowing through Jordanian territory to Syrian power plants since January, while the two countries had established a joint water data platform and concluded a new air services agreement.

He added that regional issues had featured prominently in the discussions, with Syria reaffirming its readiness to facilitate the transit of gas to Lebanon, a matter discussed in detail at a trilateral meeting with Lebanese officials in Beirut.

The two sides also discussed ways to support Jordan's food security through surplus Syrian wheat and barley, preparations for launching the Darb al-Safa telecommunications project, and an agreement to train 1,450 Syrian employees as part of a second phase of cooperation.

"Through these practical steps, borders are being transformed from security concerns into arteries of development," al-Shaibani said.

He stressed that the real measure of the success of joint efforts lay in their tangible impact on people's daily lives.

"When trade convoys move freely through the Jaber and Nasib border crossings, energy and water supplies are secured, and refugees can return to find safety in their homeland, we inject new life into the economies of both countries, revive markets and create opportunities for dignified livelihoods," he said.

"This is the actual return that strengthens our societies and makes our bilateral partnerships a solid foundation for security, stability and prosperity across the entire region." Al-Shaibani said the talks had reflected complete alignment in the two countries' positions on regional issues.

Jordan had reiterated its firm support for Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while both sides had categorically rejected any projects aimed at partition or secession, he said.

On regional developments, he added, the council had strongly condemned what it described as blatant Israeli attacks on southern Syria, considering them a flagrant violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The council called for an immediate Israeli withdrawal to the lines established under the agreement, he said.

Al-Shaibani added that the two countries had also issued a joint warning about the dangers of unilateral measures in the West Bank and their role in undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.

They had reaffirmed the historic centrality of the Hashemite Custodianship over Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and expressed full solidarity with Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, he said.

Concluding his remarks, al-Shaibani thanked the ministers and technical teams from both countries for their sustained efforts and round-the-clock coordination to ensure the success of the council's work and follow up on the implementation of its decisions.

He said the geographical proximity of the two countries had brought them together, but the achievements made through their joint efforts demonstrated that the strategic partnership they were building through their own determination would remain stronger and more enduring than any temporary challenge.

He expressed hope that the two sides would meet for the council's fourth session in Amman, with the commitments made at Monday's meeting translated into tangible results that would promote the welfare, prosperity and stability of both countries, their peoples and the wider region.

Responding to a question about bilateral relations, al-Shaibani said Jordanian-Syrian ties were at their strongest in decades, adding that incidents occurring from time to time should be treated as tests that the two countries must overcome without undermining the depth of their relationship or compromising the rights of those affected by mistakes.

He said the Daraa incident had tested bilateral relations in recent weeks, but Jordan had demonstrated initiative, understanding and openness in addressing the matter swiftly and decisively, while also assuming its responsibilities.

He noted that the joint security and technical committee tasked with establishing the facts had completed its work on Monday and that its findings and recommendations were now being implemented.

Al-Shaibani also disclosed that a trilateral meeting had been held ahead of the ministerial session, bringing together the foreign ministries, defence ministries and intelligence services of both countries.

The meeting had addressed several regional issues and challenges, future coordination mechanisms between the two countries, and the Daraa incident, which both sides had examined with considerable attention and seriousness, he said.

"Today, our condolences go to our people in Daraa. I have visited them previously, and we are now working to implement the recommendations and the findings of the joint committee's investigation, including measures to provide redress to those affected," al-Shaibani said.

//Petra// AF