Jordan supports Syria in rebuilding phase after years of killing: Foreign minister

By Laith Al-jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) - Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi affirmed Saturday Amman’s support for Syria during its rebuilding phase after years of killing, destruction and displacement.

Safadi condemned Israel's incursions into Syria, warning that they would "will only complicate matters."

Ir came during a news conference at the conclusion of the Aqaba meetings regarding Syria in Jordan, which included the participation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.

"We support the continuation of Syrian state institutions to fully perform their roles, and we do not want them to sink into chaos," said Safadi.​​​​​​​

On the current Israeli incursions into Syria, Safadi stated: "We are clear in condemning Israel's aggression in the territories and its violation of the 1974 agreement. This will only complicate the situation further."

He added, "Israel’s opportunism in exploiting the vacuum in Syria may bring it temporary gains, but those with legitimate rights will never abandon them."

-Agreement on general principles

Abdelatty said there was an agreement among parties at the meeting in Aqaba on a set of general principles. "If the Syrian and regional parties adhere to these, we can be assured of Syria's future," he said.

He explained that the principles include preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and managing an inclusive political process that excludes no one.

He emphasized the need for Israel to cease violations against Syria.

Hussein said the situation in Syria "concerns all Iraqis” and noted that regional actors "do not want to see another Libya" in the region, referring to the division and political conflict that have plagued Libya.

-EU foreign ministers to meet on Syria

Kallas said EU foreign ministers will convene Monday to discuss Syria.

He emphasized the EU’s interest in rebuilding Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Aqaba hosted international ministerial meetings to discuss developments in Syria, marking the first gathering since the ousting of the Assad regime on Dec. 8.

The Arab Committee also held a meeting Saturday with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, the US and France, as well as representatives of the remaining members of the Syria-focused mini-group: the UK and Germany, in addition to now-former-EU High Representative Josep Borrell and UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala