The head of Jordanian diplomacy, Ayman Safadi, affirmed Tuesday Amman’s willingness to work with Syria against cross-border drug and arms trafficking, after receiving his new Syrian counterpart. “We discussed issues related to borders, the danger of drug and arms trafficking, as well as terrorism, including attempts by the Islamic State organization to re-establish its presence”declared Mr. Safadi at the end of the interview.
He was speaking at a joint press conference with his counterpart from the new Syrian government, Asaad Al-Chaybani, who was visiting Amman with the new defense minister, Mourhaf Abou Qasra, and the head of the intelligence services, Anas Khattab.
“We will work together to face these common challenges”said the Jordanian minister, announcing “the creation of joint committees in the fields of energy, health, trade and water”and adding that Jordan was ready to supply electricity and gas to its neighbor. Mr. Safadi also assured the Syrian delegation “Jordan’s fraternal support for Syria and its people, who deserve a free country after years of suffering.”
For his part, Mr. Al-Chaybani said he hoped that this visit would mark a positive turning point in bilateral relations. He called on Jordan to support the efforts of the new Syrian authorities to lift international sanctions imposed on their country, devastated by more than thirteen years of civil war.
