Syriaupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photo · 22 March 2017Ayman Safadi Arrives in Damascus for Jordan-Syria Higher Coordination Council Talks
8 West Asian2 OtherPhoto: U.S. Department of State from United States / US federal government, Public domain · Cropped for layout
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Safadi arrived in Damascus to chair the third session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council. Talks aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation and implement prior agreements.
Save coverage image
10 outlets in this story. Read their headlines below.
Outlets did split on Syria Denies Deploying Troops to Yemen After AFP Report of 3,000 Soldiers →
Safadi arrives in Damascus
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived in Damascus to co-chair the third session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received him at Damascus International Airport.
Safadi held talks Monday with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, with Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Majdi al-Harasis and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attending.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held talks Monday with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Damascus, joined by Syrian Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Murhaf Abu Qasra, the chiefs of staff and intelligence services of both countries.
The council’s agenda focused on strengthening bilateral relations and following up on implementation of agreements reached during the council’s second session held in Amman in April.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides were expected to sign memorandums of understanding and executive programs aimed at expanding their strategic partnership and advancing shared interests.
Coordination after bombing
Al-Jazeera Net said Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed Safadi at Damascus International Airport and said the visit followed Jordan’s bombing of what Amman described as "haven(s) of terrorist organizations" in southern Syria on October 26. The bombing killed seven civilians, including three children, and Damascus condemned the strike while Amman expressed regret for civilian casualties. The two capitals agreed to form a joint security committee to review all details and facts of the Jordanian bombing that targeted areas in Daraa countryside and follow up its consequences.
SANA said preparatory meetings held Sunday between Syrian and Jordanian technical delegations in Damascus reviewed previously agreed areas of bilateral cooperation within the council’s framework. Anadolu Ajansı said Jordan’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately provide details on the discussions during the Monday meeting in Damascus.
Agreements and next steps
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said the meetings will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and following up on the implementation of agreements reached during the council’s second session held in Amman in April. The second session of the Council was concluded in Amman in April 2026, chaired by al-Shaibani and Safadi, with the participation of 30 ministers from both countries. The joint statement issued by the council announced the signing of nine memoranda of understanding and agreements in fields including media, development and social affairs and labor, company monitoring and health, and higher education and scientific research.
SANA said the talks followed preparatory meetings held Sunday between Syrian and Jordanian technical delegations in Damascus ahead of the council’s third session. The third session in Damascus would be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asad al-Sheiban, with participation of ministers and officials from both countries to sign memoranda of understanding and new executive programs.