AMMAN — Jordan and Syria have pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including food security, energy, water and transportation, as the two countries prepare to hold the third session of their Higher Coordination Council in Damascus next month.

 

The commitment came during talks Thursday in Aqaba between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani, according to Foreign Ministry statement.

 

The ministers reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Jordan and Syria and called for their further development into a strategic partnership serving the interests of both countries and their peoples.

 

They also reviewed preparations for the council’s third session, scheduled for November 8-9 in Damascus, and discussed implementing agreements reached during its previous session, held in Amman in April.

 

The two sides agreed to continue examining strategic projects in priority sectors, with a focus on initiatives that can be translated into practical measures during the upcoming meeting.

 

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s support for Syria’s reconstruction, stressing the importance of preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, security and territorial integrity while protecting the rights of all Syrians.

 

He also underscored the importance of Syria’s stability to the wider region, saying its security was a cornerstone of regional security and stability.

 

The two top diplomats condemned repeated Israeli attacks and incursions into Syrian territory, describing such acts as violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as breaches of international law, the UN Charter and Israel’s obligations under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

 

They also called for an end to Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory and reaffirmed the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

Jordan and Syria also expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, pledging support for measures taken by the kingdom to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability and protect its citizens and residents.

 

The ministers condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia as violations of international law and threats to the kingdom’s security and sovereignty.

 

The talks also covered broader regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore calm and strengthen regional security and stability.

 

Safadi and Al Shibani agreed to maintain consultations and coordination across various fields and to follow up on the implementation of bilateral agreements, the statement said.