Riyadh:Amman Jordan and Saudi Arabia have signed an amended protocol to restructure their Supreme Coordination Council, aiming to strengthen its role in expanding bilateral cooperation. The initiative is led by Jordan's King Abdullah II and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the agreement was formalized during extensive discussions in Riyadh between Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry highlighted the protocol's objective to enhance the council's capacity in institutionalizing and broadening cooperation and coordination between the two nations, effectively replacing the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Committee.
The council, first established in 2016, will now be overseen by the two foreign ministers, who will head its general secretariat. Their ministries will be responsible for following up on the council's activities, including meeting preparations and coordination with affiliated committees and working groups.
During the discussions, Safadi expressed Jordan's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia in addressing attacks by the Houthi group, emphasizing Jordan's stance alongside the kingdom to uphold its security and stability. Furthermore, he condemned any attacks targeting civilians and economic facilities as violations of international law and Saudi sovereignty.
The talks also focused on regional issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions, manage regional and international repercussions, and ensure lasting security and stability. Additionally, the discussions covered respect for international law, non-interference in other countries' affairs, and the freedom of navigation in strategic straits.
In terms of economic relations, trade between Jordan and Saudi Arabia surpassed $4 billion in 2025, making Saudi Arabia Jordan's second-largest trading partner. Saudi investments in Jordan reached approximately $16 billion, covering sectors such as transport, tourism, and financial services. The number of Saudi tourists visiting Jordan also saw a 14% increase in 2025.
The ministers stated that the protocol's signing would inject additional momentum into bilateral cooperation, underscoring their commitment to further enhancing relations and maintaining coordination on regional and international matters.