Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi conveyed King Abdullah II’s message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, addressing bilateral relations, the refugee crisis, and drug smuggling. President Assad underscored efforts for the refugees’ safe return, while both parties emphasized the need for regional stability and combating Israeli aggressions. They agreed on collaborative approaches to ensure refugee repatriation and tackle drug trafficking challenges.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi delivered a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah II to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a meeting in Damascus on Sunday. This message addressed critical bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of resolving the ongoing Syrian crisis and its resultant challenges, particularly concerning the refugee situation and the pressing issue of drug smuggling from Syria into Jordan. During the discussions, President Assad expressed appreciation for King Abdullah’s efforts concerning the Syrian crisis and reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering bilateral relations. He underscored that facilitating the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees remains a top priority for Syria and noted significant advancements made in the relevant legal and legislative frameworks. Minister Safadi articulated Jordan’s perspective, underscoring that a resolution to the Syrian crisis that ensures the nation’s territorial integrity and enables refugee returns is vital not only for Jordan but for the entirety of the region. His ministry’s statements reflected a shared responsibility for the international community to support refugees’ return home. Following the discussions with President Assad, Minister Safadi met with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh, where they deliberated further on the refugee issue and strategies to combat drug trafficking. Both diplomats reaffirmed the necessity for enhanced cooperation through the Jordanian-Syrian joint committee, which has been operational since July 2023, to effectively address the drug smuggling concerns. Additionally, they committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue focused on enabling refugees’ voluntary repatriation. On matters reflecting broader regional stability, both Safadi and Sabbagh called for immediate international action to curb Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and to address the humanitarian crises resulting from recent escalations in the region.
The ongoing Syrian conflict has led to significant challenges, including a massive refugee crisis affecting neighboring countries, notably Jordan. The discussions between Jordanian and Syrian officials reflect attempts to stabilize the region and manage the implications of the crisis. Key points of concern include facilitating the return of refugees to Syria, addressing drug trafficking, and fostering collaborative frameworks among regional partners to uphold peace and stability. The meeting highlights Jordan’s role as a mediator and its commitment to resolving humanitarian issues resulting from the protracted conflict. Additionally, the persistent Israeli-Palestinian tensions remain an influential factor in the diplomatic conversations surrounding regional security.
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi and President Bashar al-Assad serves as a crucial step in addressing bilateral relations between Jordan and Syria, particularly concerning the urgent refugee crisis and the threat of drug smuggling. By focusing on restoring stability and security, both nations aim to navigate complex regional challenges. As highlighted in the talks, the voluntary return of refugees and cooperative efforts against drug trafficking are paramount for future prosperity and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.jordantimes.com
