Jordan’s Foreign Minister Delivers Message from King Abdullah to Syrian President Assad

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus, delivering a message from King Abdullah concerning bilateral issues. The discussions focused on the Syrian crisis and the repatriation of refugees, alongside strategies to combat drug smuggling. President Assad expressed his government’s progression towards facilitating the voluntary return of refugees and both parties emphasized the need for international intervention in ongoing regional conflicts.

On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in Damascus to convey a verbal message from His Majesty King Abdullah. This communication tackled various bilateral issues, particularly focusing on the resolution of the Syrian crisis, the repatriation of refugees, and the prevention of drug smuggling from Syria into Jordan, as per a statement from the Foreign Ministry. In their discussions, President Assad expressed appreciation for the King’s initiatives aimed at addressing the Syrian crisis. He underscored his government’s commitment to ensuring the safe and voluntary return of refugees, citing significant advancements in legal and legislative frameworks. Minister Safadi emphasized that resolving the Syrian crisis in a manner that preserves Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is a vital regional interest, which Jordan actively promotes. Following his meeting with President Assad, Minister Safadi engaged in extensive dialogue with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh to further discuss the refugee situation and the imperative to combat drug trafficking. Both ministers highlighted the ongoing threat posed by drug smuggling into Jordan and committed to enhancing cooperation through the Jordanian-Syrian joint committee, which has been operational since July 2023. They recognized that resolving the refugee crisis hinges on the refugees’ return to their homeland, while also acknowledging the necessity for the international community to uphold its obligations towards them until this happens. Furthermore, they reiterated their commitment to working through the Arab Contact Group to achieve practical progress in addressing the Syrian crisis according to the methodologies outlined in the Amman Statement from May 1, 2023. On broader regional matters, the ministers stressed the urgent need for global action to halt Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and to address the escalating violence against the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank. The statement concluded with both officials reaffirming their ongoing cooperation and commitment to resolving the pressing issues facing both nations and the region at large.

This article details a significant diplomatic engagement between Jordan and Syria, highlighting Minister Ayman Safadi’s diplomatic mission to convey a message from King Abdullah to President Bashar Al Assad. The discussions center on critical issues such as the Syrian refugee crisis, the threat of drug smuggling, and broader regional stability, especially in light of recent conflicts in adjacent areas. The article reflects ongoing efforts at high levels of government to foster bilateral relations and address pressing humanitarian and security concerns.

The meeting between Minister Ayman Safadi and President Bashar Al Assad underscores a concerted effort by Jordan and Syria to address not only the Syrian crisis and the plight of refugees but also the urgent issue of drug trafficking impacting Jordan. Both nations recognize the importance of collaboration in resolving these challenges while advocating for regional stability. Their mutual commitment to enhancing cooperation through established frameworks marks a positive step towards addressing these critical issues.

Original Source: www.jordantimes.com