Latest news with #JordanSyriaRelations
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Jordan eyes new economic partnership with Syria during official visit
DAMASCUS: The Jordan Chamber of Commerce has used a visit to the Syrian Arab Republic to lay the groundwork for a renewed economic partnership, with a focus on deepening cooperation and supporting Syria's reconstruction and economic recovery. During an official visit to Damascus on Monday, Senator Khalil Al-Haj Tawfiq, head of the Jordanian delegation, said his country was mobilizing its capabilities and private sector expertise to aid Syria's economic development, the Jordan News Agency reported. The JCC held talks with the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce to explore collaboration across key sectors, including trade, transport, logistics, agriculture, industry, food, banking and shipping. The two sides agreed to draft a comprehensive road map to guide future cooperation, with an emphasis on investment, joint ventures and reconstruction initiatives. 'Our delegation seeks to launch a new phase of economic cooperation that serves both countries' interests,' Tawfiq said. 'We are committed to facilitating trade and transport and enhancing private sector engagement to support Syria's path forward.' The Jordanian delegation, comprising leaders from the commercial and service sectors, will also hold a series of meetings with Syrian officials and business representatives over three days. The talks aim to revive the Jordanian-Syrian Joint Business Council and set the stage for an upcoming economic forum in Amman. FSCC President Alaa Ali welcomed Jordan's support, highlighting the strong historic ties between the two countries, the report said. He called for boosting product competitiveness and reevaluating trade agreements, particularly in light of recent moves to ease international sanctions on Syria. Ali praised the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Jordanian and Syrian governments to establish a Higher Coordination Council, describing it as a vital step toward enhanced economic integration. The visit was coordinated with Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Jordanian Embassy in Damascus and marks a significant step toward rebuilding economic bridges between the two neighbors.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan, Syria sign MoU, agree on concrete steps to advance bilateral relations
AMMAN — Jordan and Syria on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish and activate a Higher Coordination Council, marking a new phase in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries. The agreement was signed in Damascus by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Shibani. The council's creation had been initially agreed upon during Safadi's visit to Damascus on April 17. The inaugural session of the council was co-chaired by Safadiand Shibani and attended by ministers from both governments. From the Jordanian side, the meeting included Water and Irrigation Minister Raed Abu Saud, Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, and Transport Minister Wissam Tahtamouni. Representing Syria were Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Shaar, Energy Minister Mohammad Bashir, and Transport Minister Yarub Badr. According to a statement from the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to constant cooperation and coordination, reflecting the 'historic brotherly ties' between the two nations. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors to support Syria's reconstruction and transitional efforts. The council agreed on a practical roadmap targeting both short- and long-term goals aligned with mutual interests, the statement said. The roadmap includes plans to review and potentially amend the 1987 Yarmouk River agreement to ensure equitable water rights, along with reactivating joint water committees. Energy cooperation was also discussed, with talks focusing on supplying Syria with natural gas via Jordan, electric grid linkage, and sharing Jordan's renewable energy expertise. Both countries agreed to hold a ministerial-level meeting in July, followed by technical-level meetings to advance joint initiatives. Jordan also committed to sharing its experience in licensing electricity distribution companies, according to the statement. The Jordanian and Syrian ministers also discussed restarting the Jordan–Syria power grid connection, once Syrian infrastructure allows, and developing frameworks to strengthen the existing network. Syria was also offered access to Jordan's soon-to-be-operational liquefied natural gas terminal in Aqaba, as well as storage and transportation facilities for petroleum derivatives. The two sides plan to reconvene the Joint Ministerial Committee in July to discuss industrial integration, enhance trade and transit opportunities, and explore mutual recognition of product conformity certificates. A business forum and the reactivation of the Jordanian–Syrian Joint Business Council are also on the agenda. Syria welcomed an upcoming visit by a Jordanian economic delegation scheduled for next week, the statement said. The Joint Technical Committee for land transport will be reactivated to address overland transport issues, harmonise fees, discuss future railway links, and exchange expertise in transport regulation. According to the statement, technical teams will conduct reciprocal visits to implement the council's roadmap and follow up on the newly agreed cooperation mechanisms. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan, Syria sign MoU, agree on concrete steps to advance bilateral relations
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (left) and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Shibani sign a memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment and activation of the Higher Coordination Council (Photo courtesy of Foreign Ministry) AMMAN — Jordan and Syria on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish and activate a Higher Coordination Council, marking a new phase in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries. The agreement was signed in Damascus by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Shibani. The council's creation had been initially agreed upon during Safadi's visit to Damascus on April 17. The inaugural session of the council was co-chaired by Safadiand Shibani and attended by ministers from both governments. From the Jordanian side, the meeting included Water and Irrigation Minister Raed Abu Saud, Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, and Transport Minister Wissam Tahtamouni. Representing Syria were Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Shaar, Energy Minister Mohammad Bashir, and Transport Minister Yarub Badr. According to a statement from the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to constant cooperation and coordination, reflecting the 'historic brotherly ties' between the two nations. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across sectors to support Syria's reconstruction and transitional efforts. The council agreed on a practical roadmap targeting both short- and long-term goals aligned with mutual interests, the statement said. The roadmap includes plans to review and potentially amend the 1987 Yarmouk River agreement to ensure equitable water rights, along with reactivating joint water committees. Energy cooperation was also discussed, with talks focusing on supplying Syria with natural gas via Jordan, electric grid linkage, and sharing Jordan's renewable energy expertise. Both countries agreed to hold a ministerial-level meeting in July, followed by technical-level meetings to advance joint initiatives. Jordan also committed to sharing its experience in licensing electricity distribution companies, according to the statement. The Jordanian and Syrian ministers also discussed restarting the Jordan–Syria power grid connection, once Syrian infrastructure allows, and developing frameworks to strengthen the existing network. Syria was also offered access to Jordan's soon-to-be-operational liquefied natural gas terminal in Aqaba, as well as storage and transportation facilities for petroleum derivatives. The two sides plan to reconvene the Joint Ministerial Committee in July to discuss industrial integration, enhance trade and transit opportunities, and explore mutual recognition of product conformity certificates. A business forum and the reactivation of the Jordanian–Syrian Joint Business Council are also on the agenda. Syria welcomed an upcoming visit by a Jordanian economic delegation scheduled for next week, the statement said. The Joint Technical Committee for land transport will be reactivated to address overland transport issues, harmonise fees, discuss future railway links, and exchange expertise in transport regulation. According to the statement, technical teams will conduct reciprocal visits to implement the council's roadmap and follow up on the newly agreed cooperation mechanisms.
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordanian industries eye Syrian market with strong presence at Damascus Construction Expo
An aerial view shows traffic on the streets in Syria's capital Damascus (AFP via Getty Images) AMMAN — Jordan is stepping up its industrial engagement with Syria, with 25 Jordanian companies set to participate in the International Construction Exhibition in Damascus, scheduled for May 27–31. According to Fathi Jaghbir, president of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, the participating firms operate in key sectors vital to Syria's reconstruction, including infrastructure, building materials, energy, and engineering. Jordan's comparative advantages in these industries position its industrial sector as a potential driver in regional rebuilding efforts, he said. Jaghbir stressed that reviving economic relations with Syria is in the mutual interest of both nations, building on deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. He added that lifting sanctions on the movement of goods and financial transactions would significantly enhance trade and improve the investment climate along the shared border. He pointed out that Jordanian exports to Syria exceeded JD13 million in the first two months of 2025, a 40 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, expressing optimism that trade levels could return to their 2011 peak of over JD181 million. Jordan's geographic location gives it a strategic edge as a regional logistics hub for distributing goods to Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, boosting the Kingdom's role as a trade gateway and supporting the revival of cross-border commerce through Syrian territory, Jaghbir added. As part of the exhibition, a Jordanian industrial delegation would hold meetings with Syrian ministries and trade authorities to explore opportunities for joint ventures, integrated manufacturing, and broader industrial cooperation. 'This is the first official commercial and service sector visit under the JCC, and it represents the largest private-sector delegation to Syria in over a decade,' said Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Khalil Hajj Tawfiq. According to Hajj Tawfiq, discussions will focus on establishing a joint Jordanian-Syrian Business Council and organising a bilateral business forum in Amman aimed at fostering deeper economic integration. US President Donald Trump, speaking from Riyadh on Tuesday, announced the lifting of long-standing Assad-era sanctions on Syria. Calling the sanctions 'brutal and crippling,' Trump said it was now Syria's 'time to shine,' and that easing restrictions would 'give them a chance at greatness.'
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordanian economic delegation to make first official visit to Syria since regime downfall
AMMAN — A high-level Jordanian economic delegation representing the commercial and service sectors is set to begin an official working visit to Syria on May 26. The two-day visit aims to explore future of bilateral economic relations between private sectors from both countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Khalil Hajj Tawfiq said, 'This is the first official visit of the commercial and service sector under the JCC, and [is organised] in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, the Jordanian Embassy in Damascus, and the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce. 'The visit marks the largest private-sector delegation to Syria since the fall of the previous regime,' he said. The delegation will include presidents of Jordan's chambers of commerce and representatives from all commercial and service sectors. He added that the delegation will hold extensive talks with Syrian ministers of economy, trade, and services, as well as with the president and members of the Syrian Chambers of Commerce Federation and prominent figures from Syria's private sector. He indicated that the visit will include discussions on establishing a joint Jordanian-Syrian Business Council and agreeing to organise a business forum in the near future in Amman, with the aim of laying the foundation for a new phase in economic ties. The Jordanian delegation, Hajj Tawfiq said, aims to support Syria in rebuilding its economy, especially in light of the easing of sanctions and Syria's reintegration into the Arab and international arenas. 'The Jordanian private sector, in line with Jordan's official position in support of Syria, is committed to standing by the Syrian private sector and helping it fulfil its aspirations for a strong, open economy, particularly one that is connected with Jordan,' Hajj Tawfiq said. He added that the new phase of economic cooperation requires official institutions on both sides to work towards eliminating all obstacles that hinder the smooth flow of trade in both directions, praising the facilitation measures Jordan provides to Syrians at border crossings. Hajj Tawfiq also emphasised the need to establish trade and investment partnerships between companies in both countries, strengthen transit trade, promote mutual visits by economic delegations, organise joint forums and exhibitions, and exchange information on available investment opportunities. According to data from the Amman Chamber of Commerce, Jordan's exports to Syria in the first two months of 2025 reached JD35.4 million, compared to JD8.3 million in imports. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
