Saudi Arabia and Jordan have signed an amended protocol to strengthen their Higher Coordination Council, as the two countries seek to expand bilateral cooperation and coordinate their positions on regional security developments.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The ministers discussed the continuing escalation in the region, including attacks against Saudi Arabia, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across political, economic and security-related fields.
During the meeting, Safadi expressed Jordan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. He reiterated Amman’s support for measures taken by Riyadh to protect its sovereignty, security and the safety of its citizens and residents.
The two ministers also discussed diplomatic efforts to contain regional tensions and restore stability. Their consultations addressed the importance of respecting international law, maintaining good relations between neighboring countries and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
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The amended protocol updates the organizational structure of the Saudi-Jordanian Higher Coordination Council, which was originally established in 2016. The council is chaired by Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Under the revised arrangements, the foreign ministers of both countries will lead the council’s general secretariat, while their respective foreign ministries will oversee its activities and coordinate meetings, committees and working groups.
The revised framework is intended to strengthen institutional cooperation and facilitate the implementation of joint initiatives. It will also replace the previous Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee, providing a broader mechanism for coordination between the two governments.
Economic cooperation remains an important component of the bilateral relationship. According to Jordan’s official news agency, trade between the two countries exceeded $4 billion in 2025, while Saudi investments in Jordan reached approximately $16 billion across sectors including transport, tourism, finance and trade.
The two ministers welcomed the progress in bilateral relations and expressed their intention to pursue further opportunities for cooperation.
The signing comes as both governments face a changing regional security environment, with maritime disruptions and renewed fighting in Yemen creating additional diplomatic and economic challenges.
By expanding the council’s mandate and strengthening its institutional arrangements, Riyadh and Amman aim to improve coordination on shared priorities while maintaining regular consultations on developments affecting regional stability.
Anoush Taimur is an International Relations graduate from DHA Suffa University, Karachi, currently based in Doha. Her research interests include Gulf politics, small-state diplomacy, Global South studies and conflict
mediation. Her work examines how states create influence through connectivity, institutions and strategic relationships. She can be reached at [email protected]
