Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi announced security cooperation efforts with Syria to combat drug and arms trafficking during a meeting with Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani. Both nations recognized shared security challenges and established joint committees for various sectors. Shaibani encouraged Jordan’s help in lifting international sanctions on Syria, citing recent U.S. Treasury actions as a potential breakthrough. Jordan continues to address smuggling concerns along its border with Syria.
On February 6, 2024, Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, announced the kingdom’s preparedness to collaborate with the new Syrian government to combat narcotics and arms trafficking along their mutual border. Safadi’s remarks followed a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, during a press conference in Amman. The dialogue encompassed concerns related to the border, including the perils posed by drug and weapon smuggling, terrorism, and attempts by the Islamic State to regain influence in the region. Safadi affirmed, “We will work together to confront these shared challenges,” while emphasizing the formation of joint committees dedicated to energy, health, trade, and water resource management. Furthermore, he expressed Jordan’s commitment to support the Syrian populace, who he believes are entitled to a sovereign and free homeland after enduring prolonged adversity.
Al-Shaibani, accompanied by Syria’s Defence Minister and intelligence chief, expressed optimism regarding the prospect of improving bilateral relations and sought Jordan’s assistance in arranging the easing of international sanctions imposed on Syria during the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, who was recently ousted. He cited the recent decision by the U.S. Treasury to temporarily reduce certain sanctions as a notable advancement that might ultimately facilitate the complete lifting of all sanctions, thereby enabling Syrian reconstruction efforts. “Syria will become a source of security, stability and cooperation with its neighbours and the countries of the region,” Shaibani conveyed. Safadi’s previous visit to Damascus and Jordan’s role as one of the few Arab nations maintaining an open diplomatic channel with Syria throughout the civil war underlines Jordan’s ongoing engagement and commitment to regional stability. Recent Jordanian efforts have focused on controlling the trafficking of weapons and narcotics, particularly the stimulant captagon, along its extensive border with Syria.
This article highlights Jordan’s strategic intent to enhance security cooperation with Syria following a period of instability in the region. The backdrop features a recent shift in the Syrian leadership dynamics after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, leading to renewed discussions among Arab states regarding collaboration on security issues. Jordan, which has maintained its embassy in Damascus since the onset of the civil war in 2011, plays a crucial role in regional diplomacy and stability. The calls for lifting international sanctions on Syria reflect a broader desire for economic recovery and rebuilding within the war-torn nation. Jordan’s ongoing struggles with smuggling across its border with Syria emphasize the regional challenges faced by both countries.
In conclusion, the visit of Syria’s Foreign Minister to Jordan marks a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics between the two nations. The Jordanian commitment to addressing the challenges of drug and weapons trafficking highlights the importance of collaborative security efforts in stabilizing the region. Moreover, the discussions surrounding sanctions reflect a growing consensus on the need for economic cooperation and support for Syria’s reconstruction. As both nations work towards mutual understanding and assistance, the prospects for enhanced relations appear promising.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
