Damascus:Jordan and Syria have agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including economic, political, security, and development arenas, during the third session of the Jordanian-Syrian Supreme Coordination Council. The session took place in Damascus from November 8-9 and was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Shaibani, with participation from ministers and officials of both nations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the two sides issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to strengthening historic bilateral relations and expanding their strategic partnership through practical projects. The session reviewed progress since the council's second meeting in Amman in April 2026 and focused on cooperation in several sectors, including trade, investment, energy, water, agriculture, transport, and food security, among others.
On the economic front, discussions included facilitating trade, developing joint supply chains, encouraging investment, and enhancing the role of the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone. The countries also considered establishing a joint economic zone along their shared border. In water and energy sectors, talks centered on managing shared water resources, developing the Yarmouk River basin, supplying Syrian industries with Jordanian natural gas, and exploring regional energy project collaborations.
Transport discussions involved rehabilitating the international highway linking Jordan and Syria, facilitating the movement of goods and trucks, developing border crossings, and advancing a regional railway project connecting Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Türkiye. The council also reviewed plans to strengthen digital connectivity, including the development of regional data corridors and cooperation in cloud computing and digital government services.
On security and political matters, both nations emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria's unity, sovereignty, and stability. They also discussed combating terrorism, drug and weapons smuggling, and strengthening border security. Jordan expressed support for Syria's efforts to rebuild state institutions and consolidate security, while Syria appreciated Jordan's backing for its sovereignty and reconstruction efforts.
The council addressed regional developments, condemning Israeli actions in Syrian territory and calling for an end to the occupation of Syrian and Lebanese lands. They also advocated for supporting Syria's economic recovery, mobilizing international aid for reconstruction, and facilitating the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
At the meeting's conclusion, eight memoranda of understanding, two executive programs, and a cooperation protocol were signed, covering sectors such as investment, agriculture, water, food security, transport, education, youth, and public administration. The council agreed to hold its fourth session in Amman at a future date to be determined, with ongoing efforts to implement the agreed outcomes.