On October 20, 2024, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi delivered a verbal message from King Abdullah to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus, discussing key bilateral issues including the Syrian crisis, refugee returns, and drug smuggling threats. Assad expressed commitment to improving relations and emphasized efforts toward the safe return of refugees. Both ministers pledged to enhance cooperation on these challenges and reiterated calls for international action against regional escalations.
On October 20, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus, during which he delivered a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah. This communication addressed various critical bilateral concerns, including strategies for resolving the ongoing Syrian crisis, the issues surrounding the return of refugees, and the serious threat posed by drug smuggling across the Jordanian-Syrian border. The message underscored the urgent need for measures to alleviate regional tensions, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and a cessation of increased Israeli military actions in the West Bank. President Assad responded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and acknowledging the King’s initiatives aimed at resolving the Syrian crisis. Regarding the refugee issue, Assad stated that his administration prioritizes the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and highlighted the progress that has been made in legal and legislative aspects to facilitate this return. Minister Safadi articulated Jordan’s vested interest in a resolution that ensures Syria’s territorial integrity and creates favorable conditions for refugees to go home. Subsequent discussions between Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh focused significantly on the refugee crisis and strategies to combat the persistent issue of drug smuggling from Syria to Jordan. They agreed to strengthen cooperation through the Jordanian-Syrian joint committee established in July 2023 to address this problem effectively. Both officials further emphasized the necessity of continuous collaboration to alleviate the humanitarian challenges posed by the Syrian conflict and reiterated their commitment to resolving this crisis through the Arab Contact Group, striving for practical advancements as outlined in the Amman Statement of May 2023.
The meeting between Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad occurs within a context of regional tension and humanitarian crises. The Syrian civil war has led to a significant refugee crisis, impacting neighboring countries such as Jordan. Jordan has hosted a large number of Syrian refugees, creating challenges in terms of resources and security. Furthermore, the issue of drug smuggling from Syria to Jordan has become increasingly pressing, necessitating diplomatic engagement to address these concerns. In this scenario, Jordan aims to bolster regional stability and security while working cooperatively with Syria.
The meeting ensured that both nations continue to prioritize their cooperative efforts in resolving the Syrian conflict and addressing pressing issues such as the refugee situation and drug smuggling. The dialogue reinforces the importance of regional stability and the international community’s role in facilitating solutions to ongoing humanitarian crises. The commitment from both governments seeks to ensure the safety and voluntary return of refugees while maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
