Damascus, 4 July 2023 (TDI): Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, in Damascus on July 3 to discuss efforts and measures to come up with a possible political solution to the Syrian crisis.
Both sides discussed various means to foster their relations in addition to discussing the consequences of the Syrian crisis.
The meeting focused on the refugee problem and their safe return to their country. Ayman Safadi pressed for international support and investments in war-ravaged Syria’s infrastructure to ensure the voluntary repatriation of Syrian refugees.
The already devastated infrastructure of Syria experienced another tragic setback with a deadly earthquake in February 2023, exacerbating the nation’s difficulties. Furthermore, the imposition of sanctions on Syria has resulted in a decline in international assistance, hindering the country’s development and reconstruction.
Minister Safadi noted the kingdom’s sincere efforts to ensure a dignified life for Jordan’s 1.3 million Syrian refugees. “But what we are sure of is that the refugee futures lie in their country,” Safadi added during a press conference following the meeting.
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In light of their shared borders, the two sides discussed the issue of drug trafficking flowing from Syrian borders into Jordan, stressing the need to cooperate in anti-narcotics efforts to tackle this threat.
Foreign Minister Safadi also engaged in a conversation with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Al Mekdad, over several issues and the Arab path toward a resolution to the Syrian issue.
The top ministers agreed to facilitate coordination among the officials in the two countries’ water, agriculture, transport, and energy sectors.
Foreign Minister Safadi said that the 12-year crisis cannot be resolved overnight, yet we need to embark on a serious Arab path to solve the crisis in line with Resolution 2254 of the United Nations.
He added that the necessary solution could end the crisis and address all its humanitarian, security, and political consequences while ensuring Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.
