Jordan’s King Abdullah and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa have agreed to enhance border security against arms and drug trafficking during a meeting in Amman. The leaders condemned recent Israeli airstrikes and highlighted the critical need for coordination to tackle smuggling, a persistent issue during Bashar al-Assad’s presidency. Jordan also expressed readiness to assist Syria in rebuilding efforts and resolving energy shortages.
Jordan’s King Abdullah and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa convened in Amman to strengthen coordination in securing their shared border against arms and drug trafficking. The discussions followed recent Israeli airstrikes on southern Damascus, which King Abdullah condemned, highlighting the escalating threats in the region. The leaders acknowledged the urgency of collaborative efforts to address smuggling issues that escalated during the regime of the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad.
Sharaa, who previously led the rebel forces that ousted the Iran-aligned Assad, affirmed his commitment to eliminating drug and weapon smuggling, primarily attributed to pro-Iranian militias in southern Syria. This meeting marks Sharaa’s third international visit since his ascent to power, following trips to Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The deteriorated relationship between Assad and neighboring Arab nations throughout the prolonged Syrian civil war remains a concern for both leaders.
Jordan, which actively participated in early international discussions regarding Syria post-Assad’s departure, advocates for a peaceful political transition in Syria to avoid renewed turmoil bordering Jordan. King Abdullah praised the outcomes of the recent national dialogue conference in Damascus, viewing it as a significant milestone towards the country’s reconstruction and fulfillment of the Syrian people’s desires. Furthermore, Jordan expressed its readiness to assist Syria in overcoming its severe energy shortages by supplying essential electricity and gas.
In summary, the meeting between Jordan’s King Abdullah and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa focused on collaboration to enhance border security against smuggling. They condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes and recognized the need for a unified approach to address security threats. The commitment to help rebuild Syria and facilitate essential resources reflects Jordan’s desire for regional stability and peace.
Original Source: gazette.com
