Syria, Jordan launch coordination council to strengthen cooperation

Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shibani (R, Rear) and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference in Damascus, Syria, on May 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Syria and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to launch a coordination council aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed in Damascus by Syrian foreign affairs chief Assad al-Shibani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. It outlines plans to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as energy, water, health, and transportation.

The council's establishment, initially agreed upon during Safadi's visit to Damascus on April 17, comes amid reports that the European Union intends to lift economic sanctions on Syria.

Shibani said the easing of European sanctions would facilitate broader regional cooperation.

Safadi said the coordination council aims to reactivate joint initiatives in critical infrastructure and humanitarian sectors, adding that "the stability of Syria is essential for the stability of the region."

The two officials condemned repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, with Shibani claiming that Syria is "in communication with the U.S. and Europe" to put pressure on Israel.

Safadi stressed that Israeli attacks on southern Syria also endangered Jordan's security. "External interference in Syria must end," he said, adding that "Jordan sees Syria as its gateway to Europe, and Syria sees Jordan as its bridge to the Gulf."

Shibani reaffirmed Syria's commitment to open diplomacy and national reconstruction, saying that the country's priority is to stabilize the economy, restore energy infrastructure, and facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.