Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Al-Soofadi affirmed the robustness of Syrian-Jordanian relations today, Monday, announcing the signing of 11 cooperation documents at the conclusion of the third session of the Syrian-Jordanian Higher Coordination Council.
Al-Shibani and Al-Soofadi pointed out during a joint press conference at Tishrin Palace in Damascus, to the progress made in the cooperation track between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of continuing coordination to face common challenges, and stressing rejection of Israeli aggression against Syria.
Details of Economic and Security Cooperation
Al-Shibani welcomed Al-Soofadi and the Jordanian delegation in Damascus, affirming that relations between the two countries are based on proximity dictated by geography and a partnership cemented by shared will, noting that Jordan has become Syria's primary partner in terms of actual returns, as the volume of trade tripled within one year to reach 330 million dollars.
He clarified that the two countries have signed 35 agreements and memorandums of understanding, in addition to the new documents, and that gas has been flowing to Syrian power stations through Jordanian territory since January, alongside the signing of a new air services agreement, noting that the true benchmark for the success of joint work is reflected in its tangible impact on the daily details of citizens' lives.
Cooperation Documents in 19 Sectors
The Foreign Minister explained that the work of the third session was based on a strategic foundation, where simultaneous sessions were held covering 19 sectors, followed by the signing of 11 documents that varied between memorandums of understanding, implementation programs, and protocols, the most prominent of which are the railway connection memorandum and the rainwater harvesting memorandum in the Yarmouk River basin.
He pointed out that both sides agreed to elevate the Jaber-Nasib border crossing to become a model gateway operating around the clock, and approved the rehabilitation of the international road between the two countries at a cost of 47 million dollars, along with studying the creation of a joint economic city on the border.
Alignment of Views and the Daraa Issue
He explained that the talks reflected an alignment of views on regional issues, as Jordan renewed its firm and supportive stance on the unity and sovereignty of Syria, and the Council strongly condemned the blatant Israeli aggression on southern Syria, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces to the lines of the agreement.
Regarding the Daraa incident, Al-Shibani affirmed that the Jordanian side showed understanding and openness to address what happened, pointing to the formation of a joint security and technical committee to investigate the facts, and that work is underway to repair damages and compensate innocent victims who fell as a result of targeting.
For his part, Al-Soofadi affirmed that Syrian-Jordanian relations are rooted in the hearts of both peoples, stressing that the security and stability of Syria are an extension of Jordan's security and stability, and affirming Jordan's standing by Syria in everything it takes to preserve its security and stability.
Al-Soofadi stressed that Syrian-Jordanian relations are stronger than any challenge, and that the ties binding the two countries enable them to face various challenges, noting that the third session resulted in the signing of 11 documents covering multiple areas of cooperation.
Stance on Yemen and Saudi Arabia
Regarding the military agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Al-Shibani clarified that it focuses on rebuilding the Syrian military institution, denying the existence of any agreement with Yemen regarding deployment there, and affirming Syria's support for the legitimate government in Yemen.
Al-Shibani reiterated that Syria does not deploy any forces in Yemen, and that there is no near-term plan in this regard, explaining that any Syrian military plan outside the borders will be announced clearly and will not be implemented in secret.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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