Latest news with #Syrian-Jordanian
Roya News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Safadi visits Syria as Jordan, Damascus agree on cooperation roadmap
Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, arrived in Damascus on Teusday, leading a high-level delegation on a working visit aimed at restoring and strengthening ties between Jordan and Syria. The visit marks a new phase in bilateral relations after years of tension and regional instability. According to Jordan's state media, Safadi and Syrian officials agreed on a roadmap for cooperation across key sectors, including water, energy, transport, trade, and health. The Jordanian delegation included Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al-Saud, Minister of Industry and Trade Yarub Qudah, Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh, and Minister of Transport Wesam Tahtamouni. During a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Safadi said the roadmap reflects Jordan's commitment, under the direction of King Abdullah II, to strengthen regional cooperation and support Syria's recovery. 'We agreed today on a practical roadmap covering multiple sectors. Our next step is implementation,' he said. Establishing higher coordination council Al-Shaibani announced the signing of an agreement to establish a Higher Coordination Council between the two countries, covering all ministries and designed to move joint projects toward implementation. He described the visit as 'a historic turning point,' and praised Jordan's role, saying, 'Jordan has been more eager than us to push this process forward.' Addressing shared challenges Safadi emphasized the importance of tackling shared challenges, particularly drug and arms smuggling across the Syrian-Jordanian border — a long-standing concern for Amman. He also condemned ongoing Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, calling them 'unjustified, immoral violations' that threaten both countries' security. Jordan backs Syria's recovery Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's full support for Syria during its transitional phase. 'A successful Syrian recovery is a success for Jordan and the region,' he said. He called for lifting sanctions on Syria, arguing they hinder reconstruction and development. Lifting them, he added, would enable Syrian authorities to rebuild and invite international and private sector engagement. On Syrian refugees in Jordan Safadi noted that Jordan hosts over 1.3 million Syrian refugees, with only 10% living in camps. He stressed that their voluntary return depends on the success of Syria's recovery. 'Jordan will continue to support Syria until it has the tools needed to rebuild,' he said.
LBCI
02-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Syria caught between Israeli airstrikes and US demands amid escalating internal unrest
Report by Petra Abou Haidar, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The Israeli strike early Friday near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus is being seen as a clear escalation in regional tensions. The strike was not merely a military operation but is being interpreted as one of several political messages directed at the Syrian government by Israel, backed by the United States. Although tensions had eased late Thursday in Suwayda province villages and Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside following meetings between Druze community representatives and Syrian officials, the calm did not last long. Clashes erupted in several Druze-majority villages near the Syrian-Jordanian border after armed militants attempted to infiltrate the area and targeted it with mortar shells and heavy machine gun fire. Syrian forces responded by deploying reinforcements between Suwayda and Daraa. The Israeli airstrike near the Syrian Presidential Palace further escalated the situation. It was coupled with a warning from Israel that it would not tolerate threats to the Druze community or the deployment of Syrian forces south of Damascus. Analysts believe the United States is closely aligned with Israel's approach as the situation evolves. Washington is pressuring President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration to meet a series of demands as a condition for opening the door to normalized relations and the potential partial lifting of U.S. sanctions. These demands include the destruction of any remaining stockpiles of chemical weapons, the expulsion of foreign fighters from the country and preventing them from holding leadership roles in government, the appointment of a liaison officer to assist in locating missing American journalist Austin Tice, and granting the United States permission to carry out 'counterterrorism strikes.' Faced with these pressures, Al-Sharaa finds himself in a difficult position—caught between the heavy demands of the United States and significant internal challenges, including sectarian violence and questions of local legitimacy.
Arab News
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Why Syria-Jordan relationship is key to regional stability
The meeting between the Syrian Arab Republic's new leader, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman last week marked a turning point in the evolving relationship between the two nations. With Syria undergoing a transition, the support and cooperation of neighboring Jordan have taken on newfound importance. Jordan, having long played a significant role in regional diplomacy and security, reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Syria in its recovery and reintegration. The strengthening of this relationship is not only vital for Syria's reconstruction but also for regional stability, economic growth and security cooperation. For more than a decade, Amman has navigated the fallout of the Syrian conflict, which has profoundly affected both nations. Jordan, which shares a 375-km border with Syria, has borne the brunt of war-induced challenges, from the mass influx of refugees to increased security threats and disruptions in trade. King Abdullah's meeting with Syria's new leadership signals a renewed willingness to engage with Damascus and support its reintegration into the Arab world. King Abdullah emphasized the need for Syria to restore sovereignty and stability. This endorsement from Jordan carries weight, as it underscores Amman's broader strategy of supporting regional stability while ensuring that Syria does not become a breeding ground for extremist elements or organized crime. The resumption of strong bilateral ties is not merely a diplomatic gesture, it also reflects a deeper recognition that Syria's recovery is in Jordan's best interest. The two nations are inextricably linked by geography, economy and security concerns, making their cooperation essential to meet both immediate challenges and long-term stability. One of the most pressing concerns for both countries is border security. Over the past decade, the Syrian-Jordanian border has become a hotspot for arms smuggling, drug trafficking and the movement of extremist groups. A key issue has been the trafficking of captagon, a powerful amphetamine that has flooded regional markets. Jordanian security forces have intercepted large shipments originating from Syria. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the two nations in January committed to strengthening border security through intelligence-sharing, joint military patrols and enhanced surveillance. Beyond countering narcotics, Syria and Jordan also share concerns about extremist groups attempting to regroup and establish footholds in border regions. Jordan has long been wary of Daesh and other factions exploiting instability in Syria to launch attacks. To address this, the two countries can work on bolstering counterterrorism cooperation, ensuring that militant networks are dismantled before they pose a wider regional threat. Furthermore, the Syrian conflict severely disrupted economic ties between the two countries, causing billions of dollars in trade losses. Before the war, Jordan served as a crucial transit hub for Syrian goods, while Syrian exports — ranging from textiles to agricultural products — were a staple in Jordanian markets. The war upended these economic flows, forcing businesses on both sides to seek alternative, often less profitable, markets. Now, as Syria embarks on reconstruction, economic cooperation with Jordan is most likely poised to accelerate. The reopening of border crossings and trade routes will not only benefit Syria's battered economy but also provide Jordan with new investment and trade opportunities. In other words, by easing trade restrictions and harmonizing customs procedures, both nations stand to regain lost economic momentum. Infrastructure projects also hold significant potential. Jordan's well-developed transport network could serve as a vital artery for Syrian goods reaching international markets. Similarly, Syrian labor — once a key component of Jordan's workforce — could again play a role in Jordan's construction and agriculture sectors. Increased trade and investment will help both nations recover from the economic stagnation imposed by years of instability. It is important to note that Syria's energy infrastructure suffered immense damage during the war, leaving many areas in dire need of electricity and fuel. Jordan, which has developed its energy sector in recent years, could emerge as a key supplier for Syria. Last week's talks between Amman and Damascus explored the possibility of Jordan supplying Syria with electricity and gas, a move that would provide immediate relief to Syrian households and industries while strengthening economic ties between the two governments. Beyond energy, reconstruction efforts present another avenue for cooperation. Jordanian companies, particularly in construction and engineering, have the expertise needed for Syria's rebuilding efforts. Facilitating Jordanian investment in Syrian infrastructure projects would not only aid Syria's recovery but also create economic incentives for sustained collaboration. In addition, Jordan has been one of the main destinations for Syrian refugees, with the country hosting an estimated 1.3 million of them. While Jordan has provided shelter, education and healthcare to these displaced people, the strain on its economy and resources has been immense. The return of Syrian refugees is a sensitive issue, requiring careful coordination between the two governments and the international community. King Abdullah's meeting with Syria's new leadership signals a renewed willingness to engage with Damascus. Dr. Majid Rafizadeh Ensuring safe and voluntary repatriation is paramount. Many refugees remain hesitant about returning due to concerns about security, economic opportunities and political stability. For this reason, Jordan and Syria can work together to create the conditions that could encourage returnees, including rebuilding housing, providing employment opportunities and ensuring legal protections. International organizations can also play a role in supporting reintegration efforts, ensuring that returning refugees have access to education, healthcare and social services. Finally, the strengthening of Syrian-Jordanian relations goes beyond bilateral concerns. It has broader implications for Middle Eastern stability, particularly in an era of shifting alliances and regional realignments. Jordan's engagement with Syria could pave the way for Damascus' further reintegration into the Arab diplomatic fold, fostering constructive engagement with neighboring countries. In conclusion, for Jordan, a stable Syria is critical to its long-term security and economic well-being. For Syria, Jordan's backing offers a bridge to the international community and a pathway to rebuilding its shattered economy and infrastructure. The mutual benefits of cooperation are clear and both nations have compelling reasons to sustain their renewed partnership. As Syria's new government seeks to stabilize the country and reestablish its role in the region, Jordan's support will be indispensable. By working together on security, trade, energy and humanitarian initiatives, Syria and Jordan can not only enhance their own national interests but also contribute to a more stable and prosperous Middle East. The path ahead will require diplomatic finesse and practical cooperation, but if both nations commit to sustained engagement, their partnership could serve as a model for regional resilience and recovery.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-01-2025
- Climate
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israel Transfers Military Equipment, Winter Quarters to its Forces in Syria
The Israeli Army is preparing for a longer and indefinite stay in the Syrian territories, which it invaded on December 8 following the fall of the Bashar Al-Assad regime. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Israeli army said it was sending insulated structures and equipment for its forces to reside in the Syrian Hermon area during the harsh winter weather. 'As part of the logistical effort, equipment was provided to support the troops' stay in severe weather conditions, with unique adaptations to the extreme weather conditions in the area,' the army statement read. The army provided infrastructure and equipment capable of withstanding various weather conditions, including temporary structures with additional insulation against the cold, heating devices, generators, and a water heating system. It also offered a specialized medical facility for treating cold-related injuries equipped with appropriate medical devices, as well as kitchens and a dining room to enable the provision of hot meals for the soldiers. 'Thousands of winter items were distributed to the soldiers in the region, with an emphasis on specialized equipment for snowy conditions, including heating packs, coats, storm suits, and winter boots,' the army statement said. Israel still occupies the Syrian Golan Heights since the October war of 1973. Today, Israeli settlements control 95% of the land of the Golan Heights. Since the fall of Assad's regime, Israel has occupied 600 km of Syrian territory. The Israeli army spoke about a 'temporary' stay in the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, where its troops have been deployed since last month. But the provision of structures and equipment to reside on the mountain during the harsh winter weather indicates that the army will remain there indefinitely. The Israeli army is also systematically confiscating huge quantities of weapons and ammunition, which the Syrian army left behind, including tanks, guns, armored vehicles, anti-tank missiles, binoculars and others. Earlier this month, roughly 30 Israeli soldiers, supported by three bulldozers and three tanks, had infiltrated in the Badaa town, located about 20 kilometers from the Mezzeh Military Airport, northeast Mount Hermon on the border between Syria and Lebanon. The soldiers began digging trenches and established a dirt road along the Israeli border toward Al-Dureiat area, where they destroyed a farmland with bulldozers. Israeli forces also deployed reinforcements to Al-Jazeera barracks in Ma'ariya village, in the Daraa countryside, near the Syrian-Jordanian border. They installed high concrete barriers and paved all the roads leading to the barracks. Sources said that for the first time, the Israeli army begun conducting armored patrols on the foothills at the base of the strategic Mount Hermon on the Syria-Lebanon border.
