Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi began an official visit to Damascus today, accompanied by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al Saud, Minister of Transport Nidal Qatamin, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah, and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission Daifallah Al-Fayez.

The delegation is scheduled to hold talks with Syrian officials focusing on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

The composition of the Jordanian delegation reflects the nature of the issues expected to be discussed, extending beyond political matters to include economic, service, and strategic files that directly affect the interests of both countries.

Land Transport, Addressing Recent Challenges and Disputes

The land transport sector is expected to top the agenda, particularly following complaints raised in recent months by Jordan's trucking industry regarding obstacles facing cargo movement through Syrian territory, including incidents in which Jordanian truck drivers were reportedly stopped by Syrian protesters.

The Jaber-Nassib border crossing remains a vital artery for Jordan's trade with Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe, serving as a key route for exports, imports, and transit trade. Discussions are expected to focus on removing obstacles facing Jordanian transport companies, streamlining border procedures, and facilitating the movement of goods and trucks to reduce transportation costs and boost trade volumes.

Both sides may also explore opportunities to revive regional transport projects and strengthen logistical links between Jordanian ports and Syrian markets, helping restore Jordan's role as a major transit hub for trade heading toward the Levant.

Water, A Strategic and Sensitive File

Water remains one of Jordan's most critical concerns, as the Kingdom is among the world's most water-scarce countries. Talks are expected to address ways to enhance cooperation in managing shared water resources, particularly the Yarmouk River basin and the dams constructed along its course.

Jordan is seeking stronger technical coordination with Syria to ensure the flow of agreed water allocations, especially amid declining rainfall levels and the growing impact of climate change across the region.

Discussions may also cover mechanisms for monitoring, data sharing, reservoir management, and cooperation on shared water resources to strengthen water security for both countries.

Trade and Industry, Restoring Economic Momentum

Trade is expected to be another major focus of the visit as both countries seek to increase commercial exchange, which declined significantly during the years of the Syrian conflict.

Jordan aims to expand access for its exports to the Syrian market and restore its role as a gateway to regional markets, while Syria remains an important destination for Jordanian products and a strategic corridor for overland trade.

The talks may also address the removal of administrative and technical barriers to trade, facilitation of business and investment activities, and enhanced industrial cooperation between private-sector stakeholders in both countries.

Civil Aviation, Rebuilding Air Connectivity

The participation of the head of Jordan's Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission highlights the importance of air transport issues in the discussions. The two sides are expected to examine increasing the number of flights between Amman and Damascus and expanding technical and regulatory cooperation in the aviation sector.

This file is particularly important for facilitating the movement of travelers and businesspeople and supporting efforts to revitalize economic and tourism ties between the two countries.

Border Security and Anti-Smuggling Cooperation

Despite the visit's economic focus, security issues remain an important backdrop to bilateral relations, particularly regarding border security, anti-smuggling efforts, and combating organized crime.

Over recent years, Jordan and Syria have expanded security coordination to confront cross-border smuggling networks, and further cooperation in this area is expected as a key element in maintaining stability along the shared border and protecting mutual interests.

Syria's Return to Its Economic Environment

The talks come within the broader context of Syria's gradual reintegration into its Arab and regional surroundings. Jordan views Syria's stability and economic recovery as important factors for regional security and economic resilience.

As such, the issues under discussion extend beyond immediate concerns related to transport, water, and trade. They form part of a broader vision aimed at building a more sustainable economic and service-oriented partnership between the two countries and leveraging their shared geography to advance mutual interests in transport, energy, trade, and water resources.