Jordan's Foreign Minister Engages with Syrian Leadership to Support Political Transition
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Damascus/Amman, Dec 23 (NationPress) Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Ahmad al-Shara, the leader of Syria's de facto governing authority, in Damascus on Monday. Their discussions were centered on Syria's political transition and wider regional security challenges.
As reported by Sham FM, a Syrian media outlet, Safadi reiterated Jordan's backing for Syria's transition, which encompasses the establishment of an inclusive government and the formulation of a new constitution.
During their conversation, Safadi also emphasized the importance of the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees, highlighting Jordan's willingness to assist in the repatriation process in coordination with Syria's new leadership.
Moreover, Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's dedication to supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts, making it clear that Jordan would advocate for both regional and international partners to engage with Syria's emerging leadership, according to Sham FM.
A post from Jordan's Foreign Ministry on the social media platform X further reinforced Safadi's statements, asserting that Syria's reconstruction holds strategic significance for both Jordan and the wider region, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The statement also mentioned that Arab nations stand united in their commitment to Syria's recovery, free from outside interference.
In terms of regional security, Safadi highlighted the critical nature of securing the 386-kilometer border between Jordan and Syria. He pointed out the ongoing threats posed by terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling along this border, stating, "We want that border to be stable and secure."
The foreign minister also denounced the recent Israeli incursion into Syrian territory, as noted in the statement.
A militant coalition led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group initiated a significant military offensive from northern Syria on November 27. This operation progressed southward, capturing the capital Damascus and overthrowing former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government within a span of 12 days.
Earlier this month, King Abdullah II of Jordan stated that the initial step towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East is to halt the Israeli military actions in Gaza, which necessitates immediate and decisive global intervention.
A declaration from Jordan's Royal Hashemite Court on December 12 indicated that during the king's meeting in Aqaba with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, they discussed enhancing humanitarian responses in Gaza.
The king also cautioned against the risks posed by unilateral Israeli actions in the West Bank, as well as ongoing attacks on sacred sites in Jerusalem, according to the statement.
