Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Jordan to strengthen bilateral ties amid escalating Israeli airstrikes in Syria. He was welcomed by King Abdullah II and discussed cooperation in trade, energy, and water, while asserting Jordan’s support for Syrian sovereignty. The reopening of borders and resumed flights indicate improved relations, despite the complex history of Jordan-Syria interactions during the ongoing conflict.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made a significant visit to Jordan on Wednesday, marking his third international trip since taking office following the fall of the Assad regime. He was welcomed by King Abdullah II at Marka Airport in Amman, accompanied by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and other officials, to discuss cooperation on various issues including trade, energy, and water.
During their discussions at Raghadan Palace, King Abdullah emphasized Jordan’s commitment to aiding Syrian reconstruction efforts, ensuring unity, security, and stability for all components of Syrian society. Additionally, he condemned recent Israeli military actions in Syria, reaffirming support for Syrian sovereignty amidst escalating tensions.
Sharaa’s visit followed Israeli airstrikes that targeted military sites in southern Syria, particularly in Daraa, which Israel claims were stockpiled with weapons. These strikes occurred shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urged for the demilitarization of southern Syria, reflecting increased Israeli military concerns.
After his appointment, Sharaa had previously visited Saudi Arabia and Turkey as part of his efforts to reintegrate Syria into the international community. While King Abdullah congratulated him on the presidency, he also stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral relations and supporting the Syrian populace.
Historically, Jordanian-Syrian relations have fluctuated, with Jordan initially supporting rebels against Assad’s government but later maintaining a neutral stance as the conflict progressed. Recently, Jordan reopened its border crossing with Syria, facilitating trade and passenger movements, and exempted Syrian trucks from fees to foster better trade relations.
Moreover, Royal Jordanian Airlines resumed flights to Damascus after a long hiatus, illustrating a thawing of relations. Jordanian and Syrian officials previously convened to address border security and drug smuggling, as Jordan has faced challenges due to increased narcotics trafficking originating from Syria during the civil war.
The article highlights the recent visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Jordan, where discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation amid Israeli military actions in Syria. It underscores Jordan’s support for Syrian sovereignty and reconstruction, alongside recent developments in trade and border security. The historical context of Jordan-Syria relations indicates a cautious approach to mutual cooperation following years of conflict. Jordan’s measures to revive economic ties signal a desire for stability in the region.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
