Jordanian Foreign Minister Visits Damascus Amid Regional Tensions

Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi arrived in Damascus on October 20, 2024, for an official visit to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This visit aims to address the ongoing Syrian crisis and discuss bilateral relations, as well as regional issues. Safadi is expected to convey a message from King Abdullah II of Jordan regarding efforts to resolve the crisis and its consequences. His visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israeli military actions that have extended towards Lebanon. Safadi's visit marks his third trip to Syria since February 2023, reflecting Jordan's ongoing engagement with its northern neighbor, which shares a 375-kilometer border with Jordan and hosts approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees, many of whom live in camps such as Zaatari. Jordan has maintained a neutral stance on the Syrian conflict while advocating for a political solution to ensure stability in Syria.