Aqaba:Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held expanded talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in the southern Jordanian city of Aqaba on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the talks were part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Jordan and Syria and to discuss common issues of mutual interest. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced the meeting on the US social media platform X, noting the involvement of both foreign ministers in the discussions.

Earlier in the day, Shaibani arrived at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, where he was welcomed by Safadi, as reported by Syria's official SANA news agency. The visit was preceded by a phone call between the two ministers on October 13, during which they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, agreeing to meet soon to continue their discussions.

During the phone call, Safadi expressed Jordan's support for Syria's security, sovereignty, and reconstruction efforts. Both ministers also condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory. Prior to this, a coordination meeting took place on September 24 in Damascus, focusing on joint projects in various sectors such as energy, transport, trade, communications, agriculture, and water.

Additionally, Safadi visited Damascus on September 9, where he met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and discussed with Shaibani ways to enhance cooperation and follow up on the implementation of outcomes from the second session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council. This council session, held in Amman on April 12, involved ministerial delegations from 20 sectors aiming to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.